FTW88IA025

Factual narrative

THE PILOT STATED THAT THE NOSE BAGGAGE DOOR WAS PROPERLY CLOSED AND LOCKED BEFORE TAKEOFF BUT IT CAME OPEN DURING THE AIRCRAFT'S INITIAL CLIMB AT ABOUT 200 FEET AGL. HE MADE AN IMMEDIATE DESCENT AND LANDED ON THE REMAINING RUNWAY. HE DELAYED THE LEVELOFF WHICH RESULTED IN A HARD LANDING AND COLLAPSE OF THE LEFT MAIN LANDING GEAR DUE TO OVERLOAD FORCES. POST INCIDENT EXAMINATION OF THE DOOR LATCHING/LOCKING MECHANISM REVEALED NO BROKEN OR IMPROPER PARTS. HOWEVER, THERE WAS OBVIOUS WEAR AND MISADJUSTED COMPONENTS IN THE LATCHING/LOCKING MECHANISM. PIPER AIRCRAFT CORPORATION ISSUED A SERVICE BULLETIN (NO. 872) ON THE DAY AFTER THE INCIDENT WHICH ADDRESSED THE SUBJECT OF WORN AND/OR MISADJUSTED COMPONENTS IN THIS SYSTEM. Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database (Pre-2008 Archive) Retrieved: 2026-02-12