Accident Overview
An accident occurred when the nose baggage compartment door of an aircraft opened during the takeoff roll on a gravel runway. Following liftoff, the pilot experienced pitch control problems and decided to ditch the aircraft into Lake Minchumina. All six occupants evacuated the aircraft, and the pilot sustained serious injuries. The aircraft was written off.
Sequence of Events
During the takeoff roll on a gravel runway, the nose baggage compartment door unexpectedly opened. After the aircraft became airborne, the pilot encountered difficulties controlling the pitch attitude. In response, the pilot executed a forced landing on water, ditching the aircraft into Lake Minchumina. All six people on board successfully evacuated, but the pilot suffered serious injuries. The aircraft came to rest in water and was subsequently written off.
Probable Cause and Findings
The official probable cause of the accident is that the nose baggage compartment door accidentally opened during a takeoff completed from a poorly maintained runway surface. Additional findings include: airframe fuselage doors; aircraft came to rest in water; forced landing off airport on water; pitch control problem; door/panel open; takeoff from gravel runway.