What happened
On July 19, 2010, a private Beechcraft 58 Baron, registration N58CV, was performing a takeoff from the paved runway 05 at Nangis Aerodrome, France. The pilot intended to fly to Lognes. During the rotation phase of the takeoff, the right-hand door of the aircraft opened unexpectedly. The pilot attempted to close the door but was unable to do so.
Following the door opening, the pilot initiated a right-hand circuit to attempt an emergency landing. An instructor flying nearby observed a significant drop in engine RPM and noted the aircraft leveling off at an estimated altitude of 15 feet. The instructor observed the aircraft performing a circuit, noting that during the final turn, the aircraft overshot the centerline of runway 05. As the aircraft turned left to clear a grove of trees, the left wingtip struck the ground, resulting in the destruction of the aircraft.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the mechanics of the door failure and the pilot's flight path. Investigators examined the door and its locking mechanisms, finding no structural deformations or fractures that would explain an accidental opening. However, the door handle was found in the unlocked position. The pilot reported that the noise, cabin airflow, and the physical movement of the door during flight caused significant distraction and stress, leading to the decision to land immediately.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the decision to perform an emergency landing at an altitude that did not allow for sufficient safety margins.
- Incomplete locking of the door, specifically the upper latch not being fully engaged in its housing, likely caused the door to open during rotation.
- The stress and distraction caused by the sudden airflow and noise within the cabin contributed to the pilot's loss of control during the landing attempt.