What happened
Following a brief 25-minute turnaround period between flights, an aircraft entered its takeoff phase. During the initial climb, the pilot contacted the local controller to report that the nose baggage compartment door was open and requested to perform a go-around. The controller instructed the pilot to enter a right traffic pattern.
Witnesses observed the aircraft maintaining a nose-high attitude during the early stages of the climb. The aircraft then entered a right turn that persisted until the plane impacted the ground in a nose-first position. Observers noted that the left nose baggage compartment door appeared to be open during the takeoff and subsequent climb. The accident resulted in three fatalities.
Findings
Investigations into the incident highlighted several critical factors. There were no witnesses available to confirm if a preflight inspection had been conducted by the pilot prior to departure. While company protocols dictate that flight crews are responsible for baggage loading and unloading, the manifest from the preceding flight indicated 54 lbs of baggage was stored in the nose compartment. Physical evidence indicated that the right engine was producing little to no power during the flight sequence.