Incident Summary
On August 29, 2012, at approximately 1730 central daylight time, a British Aerospace BAe Jetstream 3101, registration N695MA, experienced the separation of a section of its cargo door during initial climb from Kansas City International Airport (MCI) near Kansas City, Missouri. The aircraft was operated by M2 Aircraft Management LLC under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 135 as an on-demand domestic cargo flight. Visual flight rules conditions prevailed, though the flight was operating on an activated instrument flight rules flight plan. The flight was destined for Willow Run Airport near Detroit, Michigan.
Occupants and Damage
The captain and first officer, the only occupants, sustained no injuries. The airplane sustained minor damage from the door separation.
Sequence of Events
According to reports from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the flight crew reported hearing a bang sound when the aircraft reached about 1,500 feet above mean sea level. This was followed by a caution light indicating a door issue. The crew diverted the aircraft and performed a precautionary landing at Charles B. Wheeler Downtown Airport near Kansas City, Missouri, without further incident. Upon inspection, a section of the cargo door was found missing. The missing section has not been located.
Cargo Door Installation
FAA supplemental type certificate (STC) records indicate that STC number SA02621CH was issued, authorizing the installation of a cargo door on the incident type airplane.
Pilot Report
The pilot reported that the incident was caused by the door latch not being properly fastened. He stated that there were no mechanical malfunctions and that the unsecured door came off after takeoff.