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Cargo Door Opens During Takeoff, Damages Fuselage on Part 91 Flight (N9178G)

Yakutat, AK, US

On July 29, 2004, a Cessna U206G (registration N9178G) was involved in an aviation accident near Yakutat, AK. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inadequate preflight inspection, and his failure to secure the cargo door, which resulted in the cargo door coming open during the takeoff roll. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

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

During takeoff roll, the aft cargo door of a Part 91 flight opened and struck the fuselage, causing substantial damage to several fuselage stringers. The pilot had opened the door prior to loading equipment. Postaccident inspection found no mechanical issues.

Incident Overview

An operator of a Title 14, CFR Part 91 flight reported an incident during the takeoff roll. The aft cargo door opened and struck the fuselage, resulting in substantial damage to several fuselage stringers.

Operator Account

According to the operator, the pilot had opened the cargo door prior to the accident flight to load equipment. The operator did not provide further details about the flight or aircraft.

Postaccident Inspection

Following the incident, maintenance personnel from the operator conducted an inspection of the cargo door. The inspection disclosed no mechanical problem with the door. The operator reported that the door could not be inadvertently opened when it was properly closed and latched.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 29 Jul 2004 Cessna U206G accident near Yakutat, AK?

During takeoff roll, the aft cargo door of a Part 91 flight opened and struck the fuselage, causing substantial damage to several fuselage stringers. The pilot had opened the door prior to loading equipment. Postaccident inspection found no mechanical issues.

Were there any fatalities in the 29 Jul 2004 Cessna U206G accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 29 Jul 2004 involved a Cessna U206G, registration N9178G, at Yakutat, AK.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's inadequate preflight inspection, and his failure to secure the cargo door, which resulted in the cargo door coming open during the takeoff roll.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20040929X01536. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.