Pilot Debrief

SOCATA TB200 near Edwards, CA — 2009-10-24

Final reportWPR10CA037
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Date
2009-10-24
Location
Edwards, CA, USA
Airport
EDW
Aircraft
SOCATA TB200
Registration
N3052N
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot's improper flare resulting in a hard landing. Contributing to the accident was the sunglare.

NTSB narrative

In a written statement, the pilot reported that shortly after departure, with the airplane about 30 to 40 feet above ground level (agl), the left door opened. The gull-wing type door prohibited the pilot from being able to reach its latch without him unfastening his seatbelt. Given the airplane was only about 3,000 feet down the 8,000-foot-long runway, the pilot opted to abort the takeoff by retarding the throttle to the idle position. The sun was reflecting off the windscreen hindering the pilot's vision and he could not ascertain the airplane's height above the runway surface. The airplane landed hard, incurring structural damage to the airframe. The pilot stated that accident could have been prevented if there was more emphasis in "door operation" when performing a check in a different make and model airplane. The pilot further added that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airframe or engine.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 1 docket document
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents1

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