A Beechcraft BE1900D was to operate a scheduled passenger flight on the 12th of March 2022. On board the aircraft, two pilots and eight passengers for the flight from Panama City Albrook-Marcos A. Gelabert International Airport (PAC/MPMG) to Ezequiel Hall Machuca Airport.
Flight preparations and engine start were uneventful, and after receiving taxi clearance the aircraft headed for runway 01. Once at the holding point of the runway, ATC cleared the aircraft to line up and hold on the runway. Once the take-off clearance was issued take-off was initiated, during the take-off roll all indications were normal and after a normal take-off run the aircraft lifted off from runway 01.
Once airborne and with a positive rate of climb the landing gear was selected up at an altitude of approximately 100 feet. At that moment in time, the crew observed (airframe) vibrations, a loud noise was heard and a cargo door open indication was shown on the flight deck.
ATC was informed about the situation, and the Quick Reference Handbook procedure for a cargo door open indication was completed. ATC vectored the aircraft back to the airport, where a safe landing was made. After landing, it became apparent that the cargo door had departed the aircraft and had landed in the grass at the threshold of runway 19.
There were no injuries to the occupants of the aircraft. Damage to the aircraft was extensive, damage was found at/on;
The cargo door that had separated
four ribs of the cargo door frame were broken
Dorsal fin damaged between Station 456 and 534
Damaged structural parts (Source & ©; OFINVAA report)
The accident was investigated by the OFINVAA - Oficina de Investigación de Accidentes de Aviación Civil (Civil Aviation Accident Investigation Office of Panama) During the investigation, it was established that there was no damage to the camlocks and the pins of the door frame were in good condition. The door indication system could not be checked due to the extensive damage to the door.
The OFINVAA concluded in its report that Human Factors, caused by a lack of training, contributed to the accident. However, the OFINVAA did not clarify in its accident report what the Human Factors were or whether the door was closed properly (or not) before departure. The OFINVAA report can be accessed by clicking on the .pdf file below;
** Editorial note **
V2 Aviation - Training & Maintenance has not been able to obtain an investigation report in English on this accident. This blog is therefore based on several internet sources and a translation of the original accident report as published by the OFINVAA. Should there be inconsistencies in the blog don't hesitate to get in touch with us. There are two possibilities to do that, via the comments function at the bottom of this page or via the contact page of the website.
Comments