Emergency exit hatch separates from Cessna 402B during takeoff at Wonderboom

Casualties unknown • Runway 11 at Rand Aerodrome, ZA

A charter flight experienced a structural failure when an emergency exit hatch detached from the aircraft during its takeoff roll at Wonderboom aerodrome.

What happened

On 26 February 2003, a Cessna 402B, registered as ZS-ORF, was performing a ferry flight from Wonderboom aerodrome to Grand Central aerodrome. The aircraft was being operated by Coin International. As the aircraft was rotating on Runway 11, the emergency exit hatch on the right side of the fuselage unexpectedly opened and became detached from the airframe.

Despite the loss of the hatch, the pilot managed to maintain control of the aircraft and completed the takeoff. The aircraft subsequently returned to the aerodrome and performed a safe landing on Runway 24. The detached hatch landed near the intersection of Runways 11 and 24, sustaining only minor damage.

The investigation

Investigators examined the aircraft's closing and locking mechanisms to determine why the hatch had failed. The inspection confirmed that there were no mechanical failures within the locking hardware itself. However, the investigation focused on the position of the locking pin. It was determined that the pin had either migrated from its intended position over time or had been partially disengaged by the emergency handle being pulled.

While the pilot noted that the emergency handle appeared to be in its usual position and had been consistent during previous flights, the physical separation of the hatch indicated the pin was not fully secured. Maintenance records showed the aircraft had undergone its last maintenance inspection (MPI) on 5 December 2002, with only 30.7 flying hours accumulated since that check.

Probable cause

The emergency exit hatch separated from the aircraft because the locking pin was not properly engaged, likely due to the pin migrating from its position or the handle being partially pulled.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2003-02-26 Cessna 402B accident near Runway 11 at Rand Aerodrome, ZA?

A charter flight experienced a structural failure when an emergency exit hatch detached from the aircraft during its takeoff roll at Wonderboom aerodrome.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2003-02-26 involved a Cessna 402B, registration ZS-ORF, at Runway 11 at Rand Aerodrome, ZA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The emergency exit hatch separated from the aircraft because the locking pin was not properly engaged, likely due to the pin migrating from its position or the handle being partially pulled.

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