Flight Details
The aircraft departed under instrument flight rules (IFR) into overcast conditions and climbed to 4,000 feet mean sea level (MSL). The flight encountered severe turbulence, during which the aircraft entered a rate of descent of 3,000 feet per minute.
Inflight Incident
The right passenger door and left emergency exit separated from the aircraft. The separation caused damage to the right engine nacelle and wing surface. The pilot pulled up abruptly and leveled the wings. The aircraft "broke out" at 2,500 feet MSL with wings level and "under control." Electric power was lost during the event, and the pilot flew back to the airport, landed, and taxied to parking without further incident.
Damage
Post-flight inspection revealed that the right wing was crushed at the engine nacelle, the nacelle was dented, and both wings were distorted and wrinkled on their upper and lower surfaces.
Pilot's Observations
The pilot believed that the door likely was not fully latched during the flight, and that the turbulence caused his leg to strike the master switch, turning off the electric power.
Weather Information
The area forecast had warned of moderate turbulence below 10,000 feet.