Incident Sequence
During the initial climb after takeoff, at an altitude of 400 feet above ground level, the left side door of the nose baggage compartment opened. The pilot-in-command initiated a left turn with the intention of returning to the departure airport. While executing the turn, the stall warning horn activated. Subsequently, the airplane entered a descent and struck the terrain.
Pilot and Operational Context
Both pilots on board had conducted portions of the aircraft preflight inspection. Each pilot was qualified to act as pilot-in-command for the flight. The flight would normally have been operated by a single pilot; however, the company that had hired the operator to transport its employees specifically requested that two pilots be present. The operator did not maintain any written procedures governing the division of duties or responsibilities for a two-pilot operation on the type of aircraft involved.
Probable Cause
The official probable cause was determined to be: "The pilot-in-commands failure to maintain airspeed and the subsequent stall/mush. Factors associated with the accident were the open baggage door and the inadequate aircraft preflight."