Aircraft overrun following cargo door opening during takeoff

Casualties unknown • Napa, CA, US

A pilot aborted a takeoff after the forward nose cargo door opened, leading to a runway excursion and subsequent collision with a fence and canal.

What happened

After unloading passengers at the FBO, the pilot began preparations to return to his home airport. During the unloading and pre-takeoff phases, the pilot became distracted and failed to secure the latch on the front cargo door.

During the takeoff roll, the forward nose cargo door opened. In response, the pilot initiated an aborted takeoff. Due to a wet runway, the aircraft experienced hydroplaning, which hindered the ability to stop within the paved surface. The aircraft overran the end of the runway and traveled approximately 200 yards before colliding with a fence. The sequence ended when the aircraft came to rest in a canal. The pilot was not injured.

Findings

The investigation determined that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures involving the airframe or engine prior to the impact.

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to properly latch the forward cargo door during pre-takeoff procedures and the subsequent difficulty in stopping on a wet runway due to hydroplaning.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2007-11-11 Piper PA-34-200T accident near Napa, CA?

A pilot aborted a takeoff after the forward nose cargo door opened, leading to a runway excursion and subsequent collision with a fence and canal.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2007-11-11 involved a Piper PA-34-200T, registration N3038P, at Napa, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to properly latch the forward cargo door during pre-takeoff procedures and the subsequent difficulty in stopping on a wet runway due to hydroplaning.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20071206X01910. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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