Event Summary
On 26 April 2025, at aerodrome EPRJ, a student pilot was conducting solo circuits in a Socata TB-9, registration SP-TUN. Just before reporting the “downwind” position, the left cabin door opened unintentionally. The aircraft banked and yawed to the left. The pilot attempted to close the door but was unsuccessful and reported the situation via radio. Air traffic control granted landing clearance. The pilot performed the approach while holding the door with one hand and landed without any further consequences.
Post-Flight Inspection
Inspection of the aircraft revealed no damage. The cabin door lock was found to be functioning correctly. The pilot stated that before takeoff, the door had been properly closed and the opening/closing mechanism was set to the correct position.
Investigation Findings
The Polish State Commission for Aircraft Accident Investigation (PKBWL) reviewed the documentation provided. The investigation determined two possible causes for the door opening:
1. The door latch may have been accidentally struck and released by the knee of the pilot, who was tall. 2. It is also possible that the pilot did not verify the correct locking of the cabin door before the flight.
Preventive Actions
The organization conducting the investigation proposed and implemented the following safety actions:
- Personnel were briefed on the circumstances of the incident.
- The incident was analyzed and discussed at the organization’s Aviation Safety Board meeting.
- Instructors were instructed to emphasize the pre-start checklist procedure to students.
No additional safety recommendations were issued by PKBWL.