Powers off with popping when adjusting hinge

When I have my 3DS turned on and then move the hinge to open it fully it shuts of with an odd popping sound that sounds almost like a soark or something.

This only seems to happen if I play with the hinge while the system is on. If I open it fully and turn it on it seems to work.

Any ideas as to what the issue is and how easy/difficult is it to fix?

I am reluctant to send it in to Nintendo to fix since it's a Special Edition Original 3DS. I'm afraid I won't get my Special Edition back