The airplane sustained substantial damage at 0949 Central time when it collided with trees shortly after takeoff. The airline transport pilot and the passenger were seriously injured. Visual conditions prevailed.
When the airplane was approximately 200 feet high on its initial climb, the pilot announced on the tower frequency that a door had popped open and he needed to return to land. The controller approved the request. He then saw the airplane make a right turn followed by a left turn and then collide with trees in a left “side slip.” He said it was approximately two seconds from the time the pilot reported the open door to the time the accident occurred.
