What happened
During flight, a passenger sitting alone next to an emergency exit opened the door and exited the aircraft. Passengers seated immediately ahead of the exit reported hearing a loud sound similar to rushing air and feeling wind within the cabin. Upon looking back, one passenger observed the deceased passenger with her shoulders already outside the doorway. As the passenger's left arm passed over the observer's head, the observer attempted to grab the individual's coat at the wrist. During this attempt to secure a better hold, the passenger slipped from the observer's grasp and fell from the airplane.
The emergency exit door was located on the right side of the cabin, positioned between the rear single seat and the rear pair of seats, and was hinged toward the nose of the aircraft. Opening such a door during flight would necessitate significant force to overcome external wind pressure.
The investigation
Following a forensic analysis of the cabin by FBI personnel, investigators from the Safety Board, the FBI, and the San Jose Police Department examined the aircraft. A red cover with the word "LIFT" printed in white letters was found covering the operating handle of the emergency exit. Investigators determined that once this cover was lifted, the handle required a noticeable amount of force to rotate approximately 45 degrees clockwise. This rotation moved a 1/2-inch diameter metal rod about 1 inch from the latched to the unlatched position.
The investigation found no deformities in the latch receptacle within the airframe. The investigator-in-charge performed several tests locking and unlocking the door and detected no mechanical malfunctions. Toxicological testing of the deceased passenger showed no presence of ethanol or other drugs. The coroner's office officially classified the death as a suicide.