Sequence of Events
Shortly after lift-off, the private pilot transmitted to the control tower that a cabin door was ajar and that he was turning back toward the runway. Witnesses subsequently observed the aircraft perform a teardrop-type turn in an effort to return. During this maneuver, the aircraft exhibited a nose-high attitude with the landing gear extended and was banked in a tight turn. The witnesses then saw the aircraft stall and enter a left spin, which continued until impact with the ground. A post-crash fire ensued.
Post-Crash Examination
Examination of the wreckage revealed that the cabin door mechanism was only partially engaged, consistent with the pilot's report of a door ajar.
Findings
The accident sequence involved a stall and spin following a maneuvering turn prompted by a door issue. The cabin door mechanism was found partially engaged, but no causal link between the door condition and the stall was established in the source.