History of Flight
On September 5, 2012, at 0949 central daylight time, a Cessna 421B twin-engine airplane (registration N69924) sustained substantial damage after colliding with trees shortly after takeoff from Fort Worth Spinks Airport (FWS), Fort Worth, Texas. The airline transport-rated pilot and the passenger were seriously injured. A visual flight rules flight plan was filed for the flight destined for Stinson Municipal Airport (SSF), San Antonio, Texas. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed.
Witness Accounts
An air traffic controller who cleared the airplane for takeoff on Runway 17R reported that as the airplane passed the control tower during the takeoff roll, both engines sounded normal and were in sync. The airplane rotated near taxiway foxtrot and began a low and slow climb. At about 200 feet, the pilot announced that a door had popped open and he needed to return to land. The controller approved the request. The airplane then made a right turn followed by a left turn and collided with trees in a left side slip. The controller stated approximately two seconds elapsed from the pilot's report to the accident.
Two FAA maintenance technicians working near the departure end of Runway 17R observed the airplane. One technician said the airplane was about 150 feet away, low and slow, and not climbing as expected. It cleared the perimeter fence by 30-50 feet, then began to fish tail and appeared about to stall. The left wing dipped, then the right, then the left again, and the airplane collided with trees in a left yaw and caught fire. The technician noted the engines were operating and in sync but could not specifically recall full power due to wind noise. He did not see any doors open.
Pilot and Passenger Statements
The pilot reported performing a preflight inspection, including banging on the nose cargo door, which he believed was latched but not locked. After boarding with the passenger seated behind him, he started engines, taxied, performed an engine run-up, and departed with reduced power (about 80 percent), resulting in a longer takeoff roll. Upon rotation at blue line, the nose cargo door popped completely open. The pilot thought the door might come off its hinges and into the cockpit. He turned to inform the passenger, then called air traffic control. Within seconds, the airplane shuddered as if about to stall; he lowered the nose, but the airplane collided with trees, hit the ground hard, flipped over, and caught fire. The pilot and passenger exited safely. The pilot stated there were no mechanical problems, and he became fixated on the unlatched door, losing control. He added he was dealing with personal stress and was not prepared for the emergency.
The passenger recalled that after takeoff, the airplane seemed slower than normal. The pilot turned and said the cargo door had opened and they needed to return. The passenger turned to hear, then looked forward and realized they would crash. He did not see the door. The airplane dipped before a descending left turn toward the ground. He tightened his seatbelt before the hard impact and rollover.
Personnel and Aircraft Information
The pilot held an airline transport pilot certificate for multi-engine land and a commercial certificate for single-engine land, plus an airframe and power plant mechanic certificate. His last FAA First Class medical was issued December 9, 2011, with a glasses restriction. He reported 3,800 total flight hours, with 897 hours in the same make and model.
Wreckage and Impact
The airplane came to rest inverted in a clearing surrounded by small trees and brush, on a heading of 240 degrees. Post-impact fire consumed most of the wreckage. Initial impact was with a stand of 20-30 foot tall trees; cut branches with flat, angular cuts were strewn along a 150-200 foot path. Examination showed flaps retracted, landing gear down and locked, elevator trim neutral, and aileron trim pulled beyond its stop (likely due to impact). Flight control continuity was established except for a broken left aileron cable with broom straw signatures at one end and melted at the other. Both engines showed no mechanical deficiencies that would have precluded normal operation.
Meteorological Information
Weather at FWS at 0952 reported wind from 210 degrees at 4 knots, visibility 10 miles, clear skies, temperature 30°C, dew point 19°C, and barometric pressure 29.92 inches Hg.