On June 6, 1985, a Cessna 340A (registration N2669Z) was involved in an aviation accident near Butler, PA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The left airframe support channel for the baggage door was bent, allowing the door to be closed to the locked position without being properly engaged. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During takeoff roll, the left forward baggage door opened and locked upright. The pilot aborted, but insufficient runway remained. The aircraft became airborne over a bank and was damaged upon touchdown on a downslope. A fire erupted in the left tip tank area.
Event Summary
During the takeoff roll, the left forward baggage door opened and locked in an upright position. The pilot aborted the takeoff, but there was insufficient runway remaining to stop the aircraft. After departing the departure end of the runway, the aircraft became airborne as it went over a bank. It was subsequently damaged when it touched down on a slight downslope. A fire erupted in the left tip tank area after the aircraft came to rest.
Pilot Actions
The pilot reported that prior to the flight, he performed the usual preflight check and locked the left forward nose baggage door. During the takeoff roll, the door opened unexpectedly, prompting the aborted takeoff.
Post-Accident Examination
An examination of the aircraft revealed that the left airframe support channel for the baggage door was bent. This condition allowed the door to be closed to the locked position without being properly engaged.
Probable cause
The left airframe support channel for the baggage door was bent, allowing the door to be closed to the locked position without being properly engaged.