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NTSB Report

April 29, 2019 · Cessna T206 H · N189JC

Porterville, CA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
April 29, 2019
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Porterville, CA
Aircraft
Cessna T206 H (2017)
Tail Number
N189JC
Operator
Tulare County Sheriff
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
GAA19CA372

The pilot reported that, during the preflight inspection and after a passenger had entered the airplane, he ensured that the rear cargo portion of the right cabin door, which also had a forward passenger portion adjacent to the second row of passenger seats, was secure. After completing the preflight inspection, the pilot entered the airplane and saw the passenger close and latch the forward portion of the right door. He then saw the passenger, who was seated in the right, rear passenger seat, struggling with the seatbelt, which passed between the seat and the right cargo door. The pilot suggested that the passenger switch seats, and the passenger moved to the left, rear passenger seat and fastened his seatbelt. The pilot reported that, during the flight, while maneuvering and descending to 1,600 ft mean sea level, he banked left and then heard a "brief whistle," followed by a "loud boom." He looked behind him and saw that both portions of the right cabin door were open. He returned to the departure airport without further incident. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage. Postaccident examination of the airplane revealed red paint transfer marks on the forward portion of the door from the rear portion door latch, and both door sections could be opened if the latch for the rear door was open. The pilot reported that he believed that the right, rear passenger seatbelt "must have pulled on the [rear] door latch enough to dislodge it." He added that the red paint transfer mark was not there before the flight. The pilot provided a postaccident examination video, which showed that he was able to use the larger airbag section of the seatbelt to wedge open the rear cargo door latch. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to verify that the rear cargo portion of the right cabin door was adequately secured before flight, which resulted in both portions of the door opening in flight and substantial damage to the fuselage.

Full Narrative

The pilot reported that, during preflight inspection, after a passenger had entered the airplane, he ensured that the right-rear cargo portion of the right cabin door was secure. The right side cabin door was a two-piece forward passenger door and rearward cargo door combination, and was adjacent to the second row of passenger seats. He did not close the right-front portion of the door because the passenger had secured that door multiple times before. After completing the preflight inspection, he entered the airplane and observed the passenger close and latch the forward portion of the right door. He then saw the passenger, who was seated in the right rear passenger seat struggling with the seatbelt which passed between the seat and the cargo door on the right. The pilot suggested the passenger switch seats, and the passenger moved to the left rear passenger seat and fastened his seat belt. The pilot reported that, during the flight, while maneuvering and descending to 1,600 ft mean sea level, he banked to the left and heard a "brief whistle", followed by a "loud boom sound." He looked behind him and saw both portions of the right cabin door open. He returned to the departure airport without further incident. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage. Postaccident examination revealed red paint transfer on the forward portion of the door from the rear portion door latch and that both door sections could be opened if the latch for the rear door was open. The pilot reported that he believed that the right rear passenger seat belt "must have pulled on the [rear] door latch enough to dislodge it." He added that the red paint transfer was not there before the flight. The pilot provided a postaccident examination video, which showed that he was able to use the larger airbag section of the seatbelt to wedge open the rear cargo door latch. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The "Rear Cargo Door Emergency Exit" placard in the airplane stated: 1. Open front cargo door as far as it will go. 2. Push rear door handle forward and force door open.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time14:01 PDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna T206 H
Tail NumberN189JC
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorTulare County Sheriff
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · TIO-540-AJ1A · Reciprocating · 310
Seats3

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 32 · Second Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind260° @ 7 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 4900 ft
Temperature / Dew Point52
Altimeter29.77 inHg
Observation Time20:56
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data