The airplane was on initial climb-out at 1440 Eastern time when the lower half of the main cabin door came open. The pilot reversed course and returned to the departure airport. The right main tire blew out on the landing roll. The airplane went off the right side of the runway, struck a tree, caught fire and came to a complete stop. Visual conditions prevailed. The commercial pilot and five passengers were not injured but the airplane received substantial damage. The flight was operated under FAR Part 135.
September 19, 2010, South Bimini, Bahamas, Piper PA-31-350
The airplane was on initial climb-out at 1440 Eastern time when the lower half of the main cabin door came open. The pilot reversed course and returned to the departure airport. The right main tire blew out on the landing roll. The airplane went off the right side of the runway, struck a tree, caught fire and came to a complete stop. Visual conditions prevailed.
Key Takeaways:
- An airplane experienced its main cabin door coming open during initial climb-out, leading the pilot to return to the departure airport.
- During the landing roll, a tire blowout caused the aircraft to veer off the runway, strike a tree, and catch fire, resulting in substantial damage.
- Despite the severe accident, the commercial pilot and five passengers onboard were not injured.
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