History of the Flight
The instructor, on her first instructional flight, was conducting a trial lesson with a student. The flight planned to land at Mid Wales Airport, Welshpool. Approximately 10 minutes into the flight, with the student flying, the main door began to open. The instructor made several unsuccessful attempts to close it and decided to continue to Welshpool as the departure airfield was busy.
A straight-in approach was requested, and the instructor explained the approach procedure to the student. The aircraft was lined up with the runway centerline with flaps extended and was stable at 67 kt. The student flew the approach while the instructor followed through on the controls and held the door closed. At approximately 150 m from the runway, the instructor reported that the aircraft “lost lift and dropped, losing altitude.” Full power was immediately applied and the aircraft was pitched up, but it kept descending, making a go-around impossible. The main landing gear struck a hedge in the undershoot and detached. The aircraft came to rest about 200 m from the hedge and beside the runway. Substantial damage was sustained to the landing gear and propeller. Both crew members were uninjured.
Safety Information
The CAA Skyway Code, in the section entitled General Aviation Risks, highlights distraction, such as an open door, as a risk that can lead to a loss of control. It states: ‘The most important message is to fly the aircraft.’
The Pilot’s Operating Handbook (POH) for this aircraft does not include a procedure for an open door in flight, but later versions for similar aircraft contain a procedure and operating advice in Section 3, Emergency Procedures. That procedure advises slowing to 87 KIAS, closing cabin vents, opening the storm window, and latching the top or side latch as appropriate. It notes that a partially open door will not affect normal flight characteristics and a normal landing can be made with the door open.