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Cargo Door Opens During Descent, Damages Aircraft (N756DJ)

Prudhoe Bay, AK, US

On June 21, 1997, a Cessna 206 (registration N756DJ) was involved in an aviation accident near Prudhoe Bay, AK. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's improper preflight inspection of the airplane and failure to properly secure the baggage door. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot reported that the cargo door opened during descent to land, striking the fuselage and causing substantial damage. The pilot believed he had properly latched the door but later realized he had not. Postaccident inspection found no preimpact mechanical anomalies.

Incident Summary

A pilot reported that while descending to land, the cargo door opened and struck the side of the fuselage, resulting in substantial damage to the airframe.

Pilot Report

The pilot stated that he thought he had latched and locked the door properly before departing on the accident flight. However, when the door opened during descent, he realized that he had not latched or locked it correctly.

Postaccident Inspection

A postaccident inspection of the cargo door and its locking mechanism revealed no evidence of any preimpact mechanical anomalies. The door and locking system were found to be functioning normally after the event.

Related events

Same aircraft family

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 21 Jun 1997 Cessna 206 accident near Prudhoe Bay, AK?

A pilot reported that the cargo door opened during descent to land, striking the fuselage and causing substantial damage. The pilot believed he had properly latched the door but later realized he had not. Postaccident inspection found no preimpact mechanical anomalies.

Were there any fatalities in the 21 Jun 1997 Cessna 206 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 21 Jun 1997 involved a Cessna 206, registration N756DJ, at Prudhoe Bay, AK.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's improper preflight inspection of the airplane and failure to properly secure the baggage door.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X08045. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.