L 410 UVP-E OK-UDS Front Baggage Door Opening Incident at Prague Ruzyně

Incident Overview On 29 November 2004, at 03:25 UTC, an L 410 UVP-E with registration OK-UDS, operated by VERA Air Transport s.r.o., took off from runway 31 at Prague Ruzyně Airport (LKPR). After takeoff, the crew observed that the left front baggage compartment door had opened. The pilot in command interrupted the flight and returned to LKPR, where the aircraft landed without further incident. ## Damage and Injuries The aircraft sustained damage to the hinge and support of the left front baggage door. During the incident, the door's fixing support separated and damaged the de-icing segment of blade number 5 on the V-510 propeller of the left engine. No fatalities, serious injuries, or minor injuries were reported among the two crew members, passengers, or other persons. ## Aircraft and Crew The aircraft was manufactured by Letecké závody, a.s. Kunovice, with serial number 892321 and a year of manufacture of 1989. At the time of the incident, it had accumulated 5,963 hours and 40 minutes and 6,283 landings. The pilot in command was 56 years old and held an ATPL, while the first officer was 57 years old and held a CPL. Both held valid licenses and medical classifications. ## Investigation Findings The investigation determined that the incident was caused by an inadequate pre-flight inspection by the crew. The aircraft had been maintained according to the manufacturer's procedures, and the last maintenance was performed on 25 May 2004. Weather conditions were CAVOK with wind from 240 degrees at 4-5 m/s, and the airport and radio navigation equipment were functioning without faults. No safety recommendations were issued.