Incident Overview
An aircraft overran the departure end of a runway following an aborted takeoff. The decision to abort was made after a cabin door opened during the takeoff roll.
Sequence of Events
According to the flight instructor (CFI), more than half of the available runway length remained when the throttles were retarded. The right door had popped open at a speed of 91 miles per hour. One attempt was made to secure the door before the pilot elected to abort the takeoff. The aircraft continued beyond the runway end, and upon encountering a windrow, the nose landing gear collapsed.
Post-Accident Findings
The brakes were inspected after the accident and their operation was reported as normal. However, the brakes were noted to have faded as a result of overheating during the abort sequence.
Aircraft Documentation
The aircraft handbook indicates that an unlatched door opening during takeoff does not affect flight characteristics beyond a reduction in performance. The recommended procedure is to return to the field in a normal manner.