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NTSB Report
February 12, 2020 · Cessna 402 C · N409BK
Barnstable, MA
Overview
Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
February 12, 2020
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Barnstable, MA
Aircraft
Cessna 402 C (1982)
Tail Number
N409BK
Operator
Hyannis Air Service Inc Dba
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ERA20CA100
According to the operator, during initial climb, the door warning light illuminated, and the crew hatch door opened. The door's forward hinge assembly was then torn from its fuselage mount point along with adjacent aircraft skin, which resulted in substantial damage to the airplane. Postaccident examination of the airplane revealed that the door safety latch, warning system, and door latching mechanism worked properly. The operator reported that it was possible to latch the door with the forward pin in its proper anchor point and with the aft pin outside the airframe with the warning light extinguished. The operator further reported that, after the accident, this was covered in aircrew training and the company standard operating procedures.
NTSB Probable Cause
The pilot's failure to properly secure the crew hatch door before takeoff, which resulted in the door’s forward hinge assembly tearing from its fuselage mount point.
Full Narrative
According to the operator, the airplane was on its initial climb when the door warning light illuminated, and the crew hatch door opened. The door then tore the forward hinge from its mount along with the adjacent aircraft skin, which resulted in substantial damage to the airplane. Postaccident examination of the airplane confirmed proper operation of the door safety latch, warning system, and door latching mechanism. The operator explained that it was possible to latch the door with the forward pin in its proper anchor point, and with the aft pin outside the airframe, yet still extinguish the warning light. The operator further reported that this was covered in aircrew training as well as the company standard operating procedures.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time14:12 EST
Nearest AirportBarnstable Muni-Boardman/Polan (0nm SSE)
Runway24
Runway Length5425 ft
Runway Width150 ft
Flight Plan FiledVFR
Flight Plan ActivatedYes
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftCessna 402 C
Tail NumberN409BK
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorHyannis Air Service Inc Dba
Operating RulePart 91
Engines2
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · TSIO-520 SER · Reciprocating · 325 | Continental · TSIO-520 SER · Reciprocating · 325
Seats10
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 52 · First Class · None
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind260° @ 20 kt, gusting 27 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point39 C / 10 C
Altimeter30.09 inHg
Observation Time18:56
Weather SourcePILO