Flight Summary
On 18 May 2024, a Cessna Citation II C550, registration N494GP, was operated on a private flight from Ernesto Cortissoz Airport in Barranquilla, Colombia, to Opa Locka Executive Airport in Miami, Florida, USA. The aircraft carried two pilots and four passengers. After arriving from Medellín at approximately 13:00 local time, the crew completed refueling and immigration procedures. At 15:13 local time, the aircraft was cleared for takeoff from runway 05. During the initial climb, at about 100 feet above ground level with landing gear still extended, the forward right cargo door opened fully. Items stowed in the cargo compartment, including engine inlet covers, reflective vests, and face masks, were ejected and ingested by the right engine. The pilots reported feeling an explosion in the right engine, and the R REV UNLOCKED caution light illuminated. Momentary smoke appeared in the cockpit, and the stick shaker activated briefly. The captain instructed the copilot to increase power on the left engine, retract the landing gear, and activate the right reverser emergency stow system. The fire warning did not activate, and the fire extinguishing system was not used.
Aircraft Damage
The forward cargo door detached from its forward hinge and moved aft, partially obscuring the captain's side windows. The right engine ingested foreign objects, resulting in an uncommanded shutdown. The aircraft landed without further incident.
Injuries
No injuries were reported among the six occupants.
Investigation Findings
The investigation determined that the cargo door opened due to inadequate preflight verification by the crew. The DOOR NOT LOCKED annunciator light did not illuminate before takeoff. Contributing factors included high ambient temperatures affecting the copilot's performance and task saturation. No emergency was declared by the crew.