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NTSB Report
April 5, 1983 · Piper PA-60-601P · N6079R
Tampa, FL
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
April 5, 1983
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Tampa, FL
Aircraft
Piper PA-60-601P
Tail Number
N6079R
Operator
Charles Hilton Loyd Jr
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
MIA83LA111
THE AIRCRAFT DEPARTED RUNWAY 18L AT TAMPA INTL AIRPORT. SHORTLY AFTER TAKEOFF THE PILOT REPORTED TO THE CONTROL TOWER THAT THE MAIN CABIN DOOR WAS OPEN AND REQUESTED LANDING INSTRUCTIONS. THE PILOT STATED HE WAS HOLDING THE DOOR AND TRYING TO FLY THE AIRCRAFT WHILE ON SHORT FINAL APPROACH TO RUNWAY 27. THE PILOT LOST CONTROL OF THE AIRCRAFT AND COLLIDED WITH THE GROUND APPROX 200 FT SHORT OF RUNWAY 27. EXAMINATION OF THE LOCKING MECHANISM SHOWED NO EVIDENCE OF MALFUNCTION OR FAILURE. AIRCRAFT FLIGHT MANUAL STATES: 'SHOULD THE CABIN DOOR INADVERTENTLY OPEN IN FLIGHT, REDUCE AIRSPEED AND LAND AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO MANUALLY CLOSE (OR HOLD CLOSED) THE DOOR IN FLIGHT DUE TO THE POSSIBILITY OF INJURY CAUSED BY THE PROPELLER OR BY AIR LOADS ON THE DOOR.'
Full Narrative
THE AIRCRAFT DEPARTED RUNWAY 18L AT TAMPA INTL AIRPORT. SHORTLY AFTER TAKEOFF THE PILOT REPORTED TO THE CONTROL TOWER THAT THE MAIN CABIN DOOR WAS OPEN AND REQUESTED LANDING INSTRUCTIONS. THE PILOT STATED HE WAS HOLDING THE DOOR AND TRYING TO FLY THE AIRCRAFT WHILE ON SHORT FINAL APPROACH TO RUNWAY 27. THE PILOT LOST CONTROL OF THE AIRCRAFT AND COLLIDED WITH THE GROUND APPROX 200 FT SHORT OF RUNWAY 27. EXAMINATION OF THE LOCKING MECHANISM SHOWED NO EVIDENCE OF MALFUNCTION OR FAILURE. AIRCRAFT FLIGHT MANUAL STATES: 'SHOULD THE CABIN DOOR INADVERTENTLY OPEN IN FLIGHT, REDUCE AIRSPEED AND LAND AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO MANUALLY CLOSE (OR HOLD CLOSED) THE DOOR IN FLIGHT DUE TO THE POSSIBILITY OF INJURY CAUSED BY THE PROPELLER OR BY AIR LOADS ON THE DOOR.'
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time17:53 EST
Nearest AirportTAMPA (0nm N)
Runway27
Runway Length7000 ft
Runway Width150 ft
Flight Plan FiledVFR
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftPiper PA-60-601P
Tail NumberN6079R
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageDestroyed
OperatorCharles Hilton Loyd Jr
Operating RulePart 91
Engines2
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · IO-540-S1A5 · Reciprocating · 290
Seats6
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 60 · Unknown
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind249° @ 9 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time17:51