Incident Summary
After leveling the airplane at 6,000 feet mean sea level, the pilot observed that the upper half of the clamshell cockpit door had become ajar, and the door unsafe light illuminated. The pilot attempted to secure the door, but it separated from the aircraft during the attempt.
Injuries and Response
During the occurrence, the pilot's left hand was seriously injured. The pilot was not certain of how the injury occurred, but believed that his left hand had contacted the left engine propeller blades. He wrapped his hand in a flight jacket and made an emergency landing, where he received medical attention.
Door Recovery
Attempts to recover the upper half of the clamshell door for further examination were unsuccessful.