Incident Summary
The pilot reported checking the security of the nose baggage door during his initial preflight, but suspects that his wife may have opened the door while he was parking his car. During takeoff on Runway 17, at 50 to 100 feet above ground level, the nose door came open. He stated that the left wing tried to drop, and he corrected with opposite aileron and rudder in an attempt to close the door. He left the landing gear extended. He attempted to land on Runway 27.
Wind Conditions and Maneuvering
The pilot estimated the surface winds to be out of the south at 25 to 35 knots, with gusts. He reported that he lost speed in the base turn, and the aircraft impacted the ground in a left wing low, nose low attitude. The aircraft came to rest in an upright attitude and burned. A witness reported that the aircraft reached a steep bank angle prior to impact.
Post-Accident Inspection
An inspection of the nose door revealed that the two latches were open, as was the key lock.
Manufacturer Flight Tests
The manufacturer performed flight tests on a similar aircraft with the nose door open, and found no aircraft control degradation.