On December 12, 1982, a Piper PA-28-180 (registration N9317J) operated by Altus Flying Service was involved in an aviation accident near Grandfield, OK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The child was allowed to occupy the baggage compartment, and the cargo door, which was not reinforced, opened when contacted from inside. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 4 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A child occupying the baggage compartment fell from an aircraft shortly after takeoff when the cargo door opened in flight. The door was not reinforced and could open if struck from inside.
Incident Details
Shortly after takeoff, a child who had been allowed to occupy the baggage compartment during the takeoff fell from the aircraft when the door opened in flight.
Background
The child's grandfather, who occupied the rear seat, allowed the youngster to climb into the baggage compartment because the child would not stay in his seat belt.
Door Characteristics
With the cargo door in the latched position, it would pop open if hit sharply in the center of the door from inside the aircraft. The door is not reinforced and is not designed to withstand forces from inside the aircraft.
Probable cause
The child was allowed to occupy the baggage compartment, and the cargo door, which was not reinforced, opened when contacted from inside.
What happened in the 12 Dec 1982 Piper PA-28-180 accident near Grandfield, OK?
A child occupying the baggage compartment fell from an aircraft shortly after takeoff when the cargo door opened in flight. The door was not reinforced and could open if struck from inside.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 12 Dec 1982 involved a Piper PA-28-180, registration N9317J, operated by Altus Flying Service, at Grandfield, OK.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The child was allowed to occupy the baggage compartment, and the cargo door, which was not reinforced, opened when contacted from inside.
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