What happened
The incident occurred during the initial climb phase after takeoff when the aircraft door unexpectedly opened because it had not been properly secured and locked. The pilot subsequently raised the landing gear. Due to significant slow acceleration resulting from the open door, the pilot elected to return and land on the remaining runway. When attempting to lower the landing gear, the pilot was unable to hold off long enough for the gear to fully extend into the down and locked position.
The investigation
Examination of the event revealed that the primary mechanical failure originated from the door not being properly closed and locked prior to flight. This structural issue directly impacted the aircraft's aerodynamic performance during the critical climb phase.
Findings
Contributing factors included the improper closure and locking of the aircraft door, which led to slow acceleration. The pilot's decision to land on the remaining runway was necessitated by this performance degradation. Additionally, the inability to fully extend the landing gear before touchdown was a critical factor in the outcome.
Safety message
Proper preflight inspection procedures are essential to ensure all doors and panels are securely closed and locked. Pilots must verify these items to prevent in-flight structural failures that can compromise aircraft performance and safety.