What happened
On May 18, 2024, a Cessna Citation II, registration N494GP, was performing a private flight from Ernesto Cortissoz Airport in Barranquilla, Colombia, to Miami, Florida. The aircraft was carrying two crew members and four passengers.
After receiving takeoff clearance at 15:13 local time, the aircraft began its departure roll. At approximately 100 feet altitude, while the landing gear was still extended, the right-side forward cargo compartment door opened completely. This caused various items stored in the compartment—including engine inlet covers, reflective vests, and face masks—to be ejected and subsequently ingested into the right engine.
The ingestion caused an uncommanded shutdown of the right engine, accompanied by an explosion sensation in the turbine, visible smoke in the cockpit, and the activation of the 'R REV UNLOCKED' warning. The crew responded by increasing power on the left engine and activating the emergency stow system for the right engine reverser. The cargo door partially detached from its forward hinge, swinging backward and obstructing the pilot's view of the right side.
The crew executed a visual return to the airport, landing successfully at 15:18 local time. No injuries were reported, and no fire occurred, though emergency services monitored the aircraft upon arrival.
The investigation
The GRIAA investigation focused on the mechanical integrity of the cargo door and the crew's pre-flight procedures. Investigators examined the latch housing (PN SL190 and PN 2415) using non-destructive testing, as well as the forward and back hinges.
The inspection of the aircraft revealed substantial damage to the right engine, including the destruction of the combustion chamber liner and evidence of overheating. Foreign Object Debris (FOD) was recovered from the engine, consisting of the aforementioned covers, vests, and metallic fragments from the cargo compartment. The cargo door was found to be held only by a single remaining rivet on the rear hinge.
Findings
- The primary cause of the incident was the unintended opening of the forward cargo door during the takeoff phase.
- The crew failed to perform an adequate verification of the cargo door's locked status prior to departure.
- The 'DOOR NOT LOCKED' warning light failed to activate on the annunciator panel before takeoff.
- Environmental factors, specifically intense heat, contributed to reduced concentration and increased workload for the co-pilot, who was managing multiple tasks while the captain attended to passengers on the ground.