ATL88LA105

Factual narrative

JUST AFTER LIFT OFF FOR A LCL FLT, THE PLT-IN-CMD, WHO WAS IN THE RIGHT SEAT, NOTED THE FRONT EDGE OF THE NOSE BAGGAGE COMPT TO 'POP OPEN'. HE ASSUMED CONTROL OF THE ACFT AND ATTEMPTED TO 'TEAR DROP' A RETURN TO THE OPPOSITE RUNWAY. DURING THE MANEUVER, THE BAGGAGE DOOR OPENED COMPLETELY AND THE PLT DID NOT ATTAIN ALIGNMENT WITH THE RWY. HE BANKED TO THE LEFT AND IN HIS WORDS 'THE AIRPLANE QUIT FLYING'. THE ACFT COLLIDED WITH THE ARPT SURFACE TO THE LEFT OF THE RUNWAY AND CAME TO A STOP. Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database (Pre-2008 Archive) Retrieved: 2026-02-12