Wheels Up Citation Door Opens in Flight

Megan Elliott

Friday, September 11, 2015 at 08:34 PM ET

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Wheels Up

Key Takeaways:

A Wheels Up charter jet experienced its cabin door swinging open during climb shortly after takeoff from San Francisco International Airport.
The pilot declared an emergency, reporting difficulties climbing and maintaining altitude due to the open door.
Despite initial challenges and confusion from air traffic control, the aircraft made a safe landing, and all seven occupants evacuated intact.

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On August 6, two pilots and five passengers aboard a Wheels Up Citation Excel XLS were in for a scare when the door swung open as the plane climbed to 2,000 feet.

“The door is hanging and uh… passengers… I think they’re okay but they’re gonna be pretty upset,” the pilot said in recorded correspondence with an air traffic controller.