Casualties unknown

Inflight Door Opening and Separation Event Results in Procedure Changes (N88FB)

Springfield, IL, US

On June 13, 1987, a Dornier DO-228-201 (registration N88FB) operated by Fischer Bros. Aviation, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Springfield, IL. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

During a flight, the aft baggage door opened and the cabin stairway door separated in flight. The copilot had checked the doors three times before takeoff due to a warning light. The captain initiated the flight after inspecting only the forward baggage door. The door warning system functioned as designed, and the operator revised procedures accordingly.

Incident Description

During the flight, the flightcrew experienced an inflight opening of the aft baggage door and an inflight separation of the cabin stairway door. No further details regarding the extent of damage or any effects on the flight are provided in the source.

Actions Prior to Flight

Before takeoff, the copilot checked the doors on three occasions because the door warning light was illuminated. Despite these checks, the doors subsequently opened in flight. The captain initiated the flight after opening the cockpit door and checking the forward baggage door. When the captain looked aft at the other doors, he observed nothing noteworthy.

System Operation

The door warning system operated as designed during the event. The system's illumination of the warning light before takeoff prompted the copilot's multiple inspections, but the inflight openings still occurred.

Operator Response

Following the incident, the operator amended their operating procedures to prevent similar occurrences. The specific changes to the procedures are not detailed in the source.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X31141. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.