2004-09-08: Cessna 402C — Charleston, WV

Casualties unknown • Charleston, WV, US

Probable cause

The pilot's improper decision to abort the takeoff with insufficient runway remaining. A factor was the wet runway.

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

The airplane was departing on a wet runway. About halfway down the runway, during rotation, the left nose cargo door opened. The pilot aborted the takeoff, but the airplane traveled off the end of the runway and struck an embankment. Review of the airplane information manual revealed that an open cargo door would not strike the propeller or cause any unusual handling characteristics; and that a takeoff with an open cargo door could be successfully completed. Examination of the airplane did not reveal any pre-impact mechanical discrepancies, nor did the pilot report any.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2004-09-08 Cessna 402C accident near Charleston, WV?

The airplane was departing on a wet runway. About halfway down the runway, during rotation, the left nose cargo door opened. The pilot aborted the takeoff, but the airplane traveled off the end of the runway and struck an embankment. Review of the airplane information manual revealed that an open cargo door would not…

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2004-09-08 involved a Cessna 402C, registration N5774C, at Charleston, WV.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's improper decision to abort the takeoff with insufficient runway remaining. A factor was the wet runway.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20040928X01503. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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