Casualties unknown

2002-04-22: Beech 200 (N26SJ) — Hillsdale, WI

Hillsdale, WI, US

On April 22, 2002, a Beech 200 (registration N26SJ) was involved in an aviation accident near Hillsdale, WI. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Fatigue fracture of the upper aft latch bolt. 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 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

An on-demand passenger flight experienced a door separation at flight level 190. The door was recovered locked; examination found a fatigue fracture of the upper aft latch bolt. No damage to door frame or latch plates.

Incident Description

The separation of the passenger/crew door occurred while the on-demand passenger flight was cruising at flight level 190. At that time, the aircraft was operating in visual meteorological conditions with no reported turbulence. The door detached from the airframe without any prior warning.

Door Recovery

Following the incident, the door was retrieved. It was found to be in the locked position, indicating that the locking mechanism was engaged at the time of separation.

Examination Results

A comprehensive examination of the door was carried out. The upper aft latch bolt was found to have a fatigue fracture. The door frame and the latch plates were inspected and showed no indications of damage. The investigation focused on the latch assembly, and no other anomalies were identified.

Probable cause

Fatigue fracture of the upper aft latch bolt.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20020501X00606. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.