What happened
On February 8, 2023, at approximately 12:50 PM local time, a Piper Aztec PA-23-250, registered N5982Y, was performing a private flight from Lynden Pindling International Airport in Nassau to Rock Sound International Airport in Eleuthera. The aircraft was carrying two persons on board.
While climbing through an altitude of roughly 2,000 feet AGL, the pilot noticed that a hinge on the main cabin door had failed. The aerodynamic pressure from the airflow caused the unsecured door to blow open and become completely detached from the fuselage. Following the failure, the pilot notified Air Traffic Control and declared the intent to return to the departure airport. The pilot successfully executed a landing on runway 2മുണ്ട at MYNN. The event resulted in no injuries, though the aircraft sustained damage to the cabin door area and the right wing.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the mechanical failure of the door hinge and the subsequent structural impact. Investigators examined the aircraft's condition and the circumstances leading to the door's detachment. During the process, the AAID found no evidence to confirm that the aircraft had been maintained according to the required United States Federal Aviation Regulations (specifically 14 CFR Part 91.409 regarding inspections) prior to the event.
Findings
- The primary cause of the incident was a broken hinge on the main cabin door.
- Aerodynamic forces acting on the unsecured door caused it to detach from the aircraft.
- There was an absence of documented evidence regarding compliance with required inspection and maintenance protocols for the aircraft's registration state.