Pilot Debrief

Fairchild SW3 near Carlsbad, NM — 2008-08-31

Final reportDFW08CA222
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Date
2008-08-31
Location
Carlsbad, NM, USA
Airport
CNM
Aircraft
Fairchild SW3
Registration
N2699Y
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

Failure of the door to remain secure for undetermined reasons.

NTSB narrative

While en route to his destination, the 12,250-hour airline transport pilot experienced variations in the airplane's cabin pressure. The pilot removed his noise-cancelling headset and was able to detect an air leak from the area of the entrance door. Moments later, the airplane encountered turbulence and the door departed the airplane causing substantial damage to the fuselage. The pilot declared an emergency and was able to land at the nearest suitable airfield. During his preflight inspection, the pilot, who reported 5,200 hours in make and model, secured the door "normally," but could not recall if he visually confirmed that the door was secured. The fuselage door frame did not display signs of deformation where the entrance door's bayonets seat into the door frame. The door was not recovered and an examination for mechanical failure could not be conducted.

NTSB coding

View NTSB final report

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