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NTSB Report
September 1, 1988 · Cessna 152 · N94502
Windham, CT
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
September 1, 1988
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 serious injury)
Location
Windham, CT
Aircraft
Cessna 152
Tail Number
N94502
Operator
King Service Aviation
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
NYC88LA232
THE STUDENT PILOT SAID SHE HEARD A POPPING SOUND DURING THE TAKEOFF ROLL AND ALMOST INSTANTANEOUSLY THE DOOR CAME OPEN. SHE TRIED TO CLOSE THE DOOR AND WHEN THAT FAILED SHE ATTEMPTED TO ABORT. SHE RETARDED THE THROTTLE AND ATTEMPTED BRAKING BUT IT WAS NOT EFFECTIVE AND THE ACFT RAN OFF THE SIDE OF THE RUNWAY AND DOWN AN EMBANKMENT.EXAM OF THE WRECKAGE BY THE OPERATOR REVEALED THAT THE PILOT'S SEAT BELT BANGING AGAINST THE OUTSIDE OF THE PILOT'S DOOR WAS THE POPPING SOUND THAT THE PLT HEARD. EXAMINATION OF THE BRAKE SYSTEM DID NOT REVEAL ANY EVIDENCE TO EXPLAIN THE PILOT'S REPORT OF BRAKE DEFICIENCY.
Full Narrative
THE STUDENT PILOT SAID SHE HEARD A POPPING SOUND DURING THE TAKEOFF ROLL AND ALMOST INSTANTANEOUSLY THE DOOR CAME OPEN. SHE TRIED TO CLOSE THE DOOR AND WHEN THAT FAILED SHE ATTEMPTED TO ABORT. SHE RETARDED THE THROTTLE AND ATTEMPTED BRAKING BUT IT WAS NOT EFFECTIVE AND THE ACFT RAN OFF THE SIDE OF THE RUNWAY AND DOWN AN EMBANKMENT.EXAM OF THE WRECKAGE BY THE OPERATOR REVEALED THAT THE PILOT'S SEAT BELT BANGING AGAINST THE OUTSIDE OF THE PILOT'S DOOR WAS THE POPPING SOUND THAT THE PLT HEARD. EXAMINATION OF THE BRAKE SYSTEM DID NOT REVEAL ANY EVIDENCE TO EXPLAIN THE PILOT'S REPORT OF BRAKE DEFICIENCY.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time17:00 EDT
Nearest AirportWINDHAM (0nm N)
Runway27
Runway Length4360 ft
Runway Width150 ft
Flight Plan FiledVFR
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftCessna 152
Tail NumberN94502
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorKing Service Aviation
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-235-L2C · Reciprocating · 108
Seats2
People & Injuries
Injury Summary1 injury (1 serious injury)
Fatal0
Serious1
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 26 · Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO