What happened
On 19 March 2003, a Europa, registration G-PEGY, was preparing for a private flight from Leeds/Bradford Airport to Wombleton. While positioned at the F3 holding point on Taxiway F, the pilot performed pre-takeoff checks using a recently modified checklist. To assist with cockpit ventilation during the warm weather, the pilot had left the gull-wing door partially open, utilizing a method where the locking lever was engaged but the latching bolts remained outside the door frame.
After receiving clearance to line up and take off on Runway 32, the aircraft became airborne. Within seconds of rotation, the left door swung open to its full extent. This sudden movement caused the aircraft to roll and yaw to the right, resulting in the aircraft touching down and striking a runway edge light. The aircraft then veered 90 degrees from its takeoff heading, traveling approximately 30 yards through rough grass before coming to a halt. There were no injuries to the pilot or the passenger, though the aircraft sustained damage to the right wing, the left door strut mechanism, the right wheel fairing, and a brake pipe.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the sequence of events leading to the door failure and the pilot's cockpit procedures. Investigators examined the pilot's use of a customized checklist, noting that the pilot typically relied on a mnemonic memory aid rather than a written document. It was established that the pilot had intentionally left the door in a state that allowed for airflow, which inadvertently prevented the door from being securely latched.
Findings
- The pilot failed to ensure the door was fully locked and secured during the pre-takeoff inspection.
- The use of a new, customized checklist, rather than the pilot's usual memory-based method, was considered a contributing factor to the oversight.
- The door had been positioned such that the locking lever was engaged, but the latching bolts were not seated within the door frame.