Incident Overview
On 26 February 2003 at 0905Z, a Cessna 402B registered ZS-ORF, operated by Coin International, was conducting a ferry flight from Wonderboom aerodrome to Grand Central aerodrome. The pilot was the sole occupant. During take-off on Runway 11, the emergency exit hatch on the right side of the aircraft opened and separated. The pilot continued the take-off and landed back safely on Runway 24. The hatch was later found near the intersection of Runways 24 and 11, having sustained only minor damage. No injuries were reported, and the aircraft was not damaged.
Sequence of Events
The aircraft commenced take-off on Runway 11. As it rotated, the emergency exit hatch, located on the right hand side, opened and separated from the aircraft. The pilot continued with the take-off and subsequently landed back safely on Runway 24. The emergency exit hatch was located next to the intersection of Runways 24 and 11 and had sustained only minor damage.
Weather and Conditions
At the time of the incident, weather conditions were favorable: surface wind light and variable, temperature 28°C, visibility greater than 10 km, and no cloud cover.
Probable Cause
During take-off, the emergency exit hatch opened and separated from the aircraft. No damage was caused and the aircraft was landed back safely on Runway 24.