LAX87LA191

Factual narrative

JUST AFTER TAKE-OFF, THE CABIN DOOR OPENED IN FLIGHT. THE PLT ATTEMPTED TO RELAND BUT WAS UNSUCCESSFUL DUE TO WEATHER CONDITIONS. THE PLT WAS VECTORED TO ANOTHER ARPT, HOWEVER, THE PLT NEVER CLIMBED TO THE ASSIGNED ALT AND WAS NEVER IN RADAR CONTACT. THE PLT THINKING HE WAS ON THE FRONT COURSE TO THE RUNWAY, WAS IN FACT ON THE BACKCOURSE. THE PLT DID NOT HAVE IN HIS POSSESSION AN APPROACH PLATE TO THAT ARPT. THE PLT DESCENDED INTO A MOUNTAIN AND COLLIDED WITH THE TERRAIN. Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database (Pre-2008 Archive) Retrieved: 2026-02-12