Pilot Debrief

BEECH 56 near Hudson, CO — 2015-11-22

Final reportGAA16CA060
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Date
2015-11-22
Location
Hudson, CO, USA
Airport
18V
Aircraft
BEECH 56
Registration
N12WB
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Takeoff roll

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing. Contributing to the accident was the distraction of the open cabin door.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that prior to the takeoff roll, his son, who was positioned in the front right seat, had difficulty shutting and locking the cabin door. The pilot reported that he reached over and ensured the door was locked. The pilot reported that shortly after liftoff the cabin door came open. He maneuvered the airplane to stay in the traffic pattern and return to land. He reported that while on final he did not have any rudder authority and was unable to keep directional control. The pilot reported that prior to the initial impact he lost sight of the runway when the airplane pitched up and rolled left simultaneously. Subsequently the left wing impacted the ground and sustained substantial damage.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Mechanical failure
First missed decision gate
Ensuring compliance with the mandatory service bulletin for cabin door latching.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents4

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