On June 19, 1989, a Beech A36 (registration N1778W) was involved in an aviation accident near South Lake Taho, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S FALURE TO MAINTAIN ADEQUATE AIRSPEED AFTER TAKEOFF DUE TO DIVERTED ATTENTION TOWARD AN OPEN ACFT DOOR. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot aborted the first takeoff due to an open door; on the second attempt, the aircraft climbed to about 300 feet, turned, then descended vertically into a field, catching fire.
Incident Sequence
According to the official investigation report, the pilot aborted the first takeoff attempt because the cabin door opened. On the second attempt, the aircraft reached an altitude of approximately 300 feet, then executed a 90-degree left turn before returning to the runway heading. Shortly thereafter, the nose dropped and the aircraft descended in a vertical dive, impacting a field. Approximately 15 seconds after the impact, a fire began, which subsequently consumed the aircraft.
Wreckage Examination
Examination of the wreckage disclosed that the cabin door had separated from the aircraft at the moment of impact. The top latch, described as a 'J' hook, was found to be fractured and missing.