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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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October 29, 1997 · Champion 7ECA · N7505F

Augusta, KS

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
October 29, 1997
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Augusta, KS
Aircraft
Champion 7ECA
Tail Number
N7505F
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CHI98LA027

The main entry door separated from the airplane during cruise flight, resulting in substantial damage to the right side of the airplane. No evidence was found to indicate that the safety pin for the quick release hinge pins had been installed. The owner had the door removed from the airplane during the summer and had recently reinstalled it.

NTSB Probable Cause

failure of the aircraft owner to reinstall the quick release hinge pins/safety pins, and failure of the pilot to notice the missing pins during the aircraft preflight, which resulted in separation of the main entry door during flight.

Full Narrative

On October 29, 1997, at 1530 central standard time, a Champion 7ECA, N7505F, operated by a commercial pilot experienced a separation of the main entry door during cruise flight 9 miles east of Augusta, Kansas. Substantial damage to the right wing resulted from the door separation. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed. The pilot and passenger were not injured. The original destination for the flight was Wichita, Kansas, but the pilot diverted to Augusta, Kansas, following the door separation. The 14 CFR Part 91 flight originated from Beaumount, Kansas, at 1500 cst. The airplane was inspected by an Inspector from the Federal Aviation Administration Wichita Flight Standards District Office who reported that the main entry door quick release hinge pins backed out of the hinges, allowing the door to separate from the airplane. The system is designed with a safety pin to secure the hinge pins in place. There was no evidence that the safety pin had been installed. The airplane owner reported that he had the door off of the airplane during the summer and had recently reinstalled it.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time15:30 CST
Nearest Airport0nm
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftChampion 7ECA
Tail NumberN7505F
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-235 · Reciprocating · 115
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 41 · Second Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind150° @ 14 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point55 / 48
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time21:56
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data