Report Details
According to a written statement from the pilot, the incident occurred shortly after departure. The airplane had reached an altitude of about 30 to 40 feet above ground level (agl) when the left door opened. The door was of a gull-wing type, which prevented the pilot from reaching its latch without unfastening his seatbelt.
Sequence of Events
Given that the airplane was only about 3,000 feet down an 8,000-foot runway, the pilot opted to abort the takeoff by retarding the throttle to the idle position. During the abort, the sun was reflecting off the windscreen, hindering the pilot's vision, and he could not ascertain the airplane's height above the runway surface. The airplane subsequently landed hard, incurring structural damage to the airframe.
Pilot Comments
In his statement, the pilot noted that the accident could have been prevented if there had been more emphasis on "door operation" when performing a check in a different make and model airplane. He further added that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airframe or engine.