On November 19, 1976, a Beechcraft D18 (registration N2050D) operated by Midwest Air Carrier was involved in an aviation accident near Sachse, United States of America in flight. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Collision with wires/poles on final approach after inadequate preflight preparation. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).
During cruise, the aft cargo door opened. The pilot shut down the right engine and attempted an emergency landing, but the aircraft struck power cables and crashed. The pilot sustained minor injuries; the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.
Incident
While the aircraft was in normal cruise, the aft cargo door opened unexpectedly. The pilot responded by shutting down the right engine and initiating an emergency landing. During the final approach, the airplane struck overhead power cables and crashed. The pilot sustained slight injuries, and the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.
Probable Cause
The official investigation determined that the probable cause of the accident was a collision with wires/poles on final approach after inadequate preflight preparation. The following contributing factors were reported: improper securing of the cargo door, improper pilot action, forced landing off airport on land, an open door or panel in flight, a lateral control problem, the aft cargo door opening in flight, and failure to maintain altitude.