Cessna 402
Barnstable, MA — February 12, 2020
Event Information
| Date | February 12, 2020 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | ERA20CA100 |
| Event ID | 20200212X55940 |
| Location | Barnstable, MA |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 41.66917, -70.28028 |
| Airport | Barnstable Muni-Boardman/Polan |
| Highest Injury | NONE |
Aircraft
| Make | Cessna |
| Model | 402 |
| Category | AIR |
| FAR Part | 091 |
| Aircraft Damage | SUBS |
Conditions
| Light Condition | DAYL |
| Weather | VMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 0 |
| Serious | 0 |
| Minor | 0 |
| None | 1 |
| Total Injured | 0 |
Probable Cause
The pilot's failure to properly secure the crew hatch door before takeoff, which resulted in the door’s forward hinge assembly tearing from its fuselage mount point.
Full Narrative
According to the operator, the airplane was on its initial climb when the door warning light illuminated, and the crew hatch door opened. The door then tore the forward hinge from its mount along with the adjacent aircraft skin, which resulted in substantial damage to the airplane. Postaccident examination of the airplane confirmed proper operation of the door safety latch, warning system, and door latching mechanism. The operator explained that it was possible to latch the door with the forward pin in its proper anchor point, and with the aft pin outside the airframe, yet still extinguish the warning light. The operator further reported that this was covered in aircrew training as well as the company standard operating procedures.
About This NTSB Record
This aviation event was investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). NTSB investigates all U.S. civil aviation accidents to determine probable cause and issue safety recommendations to prevent future accidents.