Accident Sequence
Before takeoff, the pilot did not verify that the main cabin door was closed and latched. After takeoff, the door opened. In response, the pilot maneuvered the airplane to land in the opposite direction from the takeoff heading.
The pilot stated that he became distracted due to the perceived emergency. He landed approximately 6 feet short of the runway on upsloping terrain. During the landing, the left main landing gear separated from the airplane. The airplane then bounced onto the runway and subsequently off it, entering a 25-foot deep ravine where it came to rest upright.
Findings
The investigation identified that the pilot failed to ensure the main cabin door was closed and latched prior to departure. The distraction caused by the open door led to an unstabilized approach and landing short of the runway.