PIPER PA-31-350 near South Bimini — 2010-09-19

Probable cause

Investigated by a foreign authority; NTSB does not determine probable cause.

NTSB narrative

On September 19, 2010, at 1440 eastern daylight time, a Piper PA31-350, N84859, registered to Spirit Air Inc, and operated by Pioneer Air Services was on initial climb out when the lower half of the main cabin door came open. The pilot reversed his course and returned to the departure airport, landing on runway 27. The right main landing gear tire blew out on the landing roll. The airplane went off the right side of the runway, struck a tree, caught fire and came to a complete stop. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and an instrument flight plan was filed. The commercial pilot and five passengers were not injured and the airplane received substantial damage. The flight originated from Bimini Airport, South Bimini Island, Bahamas, at 1435, and was operated in accordance with 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 135. The investigation is under the jurisdiction of the Bahamian Government. Further information pertaining to this accident may be obtained from: Manager of Flight Standards, Bahamas P.O. Box AP 59244 Nassau, N.P. Bahamas Phone: (242) 377-3445/3448 Facsimile: (242) 377-6060 This report is for information purposes only, and contains only information released by or obtained for the Bahamian Government.

Analysis

Primary failure mode

Human factors

First missed decision gate

Pilot could have ensured door was secure before takeoff.

NTSB coding

• Cabin safety event · Initial climb

Evidence available

• 1 docket document

Docket documents1

• Foreign Accident Authority Statementinterview

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  2015-05-23 · Atlanta, GA