You are obviously well versed Kat, but this story may be before...

You are obviously well versed Kat, but this story may be before your time.

When we bought our Avon Sabres they were fitted with Martin Baker ejection seats and explosive bolts separated the canopy so the pilot could eject. One poor chap ejected OK but was killed by the canopy sweeping back in the slipstream and taking off the top of his head.

They promptly disconnected the explosive bolds but added a bolt on the top of the seat which would simply smash the canopy. I assume they were advised to use the D handle above their head which pulled a curtain down in front of their face, rather than the one between their legs.

For those who have not been involved with aircraft, search on the Martin Baker ejection seat and see just how complex and ingenious they are.