On November 8, 1986, a Cessna 310R (registration N6096C) operated by Mst Aviation was involved in an aviation accident near Belvidere, IL. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During takeoff roll, an aircraft's door popped open too late to abort. The pilot attempted to hold it closed while the copilot flew the pattern. Prior to touchdown, the door opened wider, causing the aircraft to roll right and strike the runway with the right main fuel tank and propeller. Winds were 220° at 15 knots gusting to 25.
Incident Overview
An aircraft experienced a door opening during the takeoff roll at a point considered too late to safely abort the takeoff. The pilot in command (PIC) attempted to keep the door closed while the second pilot flew the aircraft around the traffic pattern.
Sequence of Events
As the aircraft approached touchdown, the door opened wider, prompting the PIC to reach in an effort to close it. This action coincided with the aircraft rolling to the right, resulting in the right main fuel tank and propeller striking the runway surface.
Wind Conditions
At the time of the incident, winds were reported from 220 degrees at 15 knots with gusts to 25 knots.