Pilot Debrief

RAYTHEON AIRCRAFT COMPANY B300 near Melbourne, FL — 2023-05-26

Final reportERA23LA248
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Date
2023-05-26
Location
Melbourne, FL, USA
Aircraft
RAYTHEON AIRCRAFT COMPANY B300
Registration
N680CB
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

An inflight separation of the airplane’s airstair door for undetermined reasons.

NTSB narrative

The pilot of the multiengine turboprop airplane was flying over the ocean at FL340 when he heard an “explosion.” He quickly donned his oxygen mask, declared an emergency with air traffic control, and descended to 12,000 ft. The pilot subsequently diverted the flight and landed the airplane uneventfully. After landing he observed that the airstair door had completely separated from the fuselage. The inflight separation of the airstair door and resulting depressurization of the airplane’s cabin constituted substantial damage to the airframe. Post accident examination of the airplane revealed that portions of the airstair door hinges remained attached to the fuselage, the airstair door handle anchor had failed, and the door damper support was bent and its upper bolt sheared. The six door plate strikers on the fuselage were undamaged. The airstair door was not recovered and the condition of its securing mechanisms could not be examined. Given this information, the reason for the inflight separation of the door could not be determined.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Photos
  • 4 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents4

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