Doors: Cargo/Baggage Door

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FAA Aviation Safety SPECIAL AIRWORTHINESS INFORMATION BULLETIN SAIB: CE-13-09 SUBJ: Doors: Cargo/Baggage Door Date: December 14, 2012 This is information only. Recommendations aren’t mandatory.

Introduction

This Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin is being issued to advise you of an airworthiness concern on Cessna Model 425 airplanes. Specifically, it recommends pilots follow the emergency procedures section of the Pilot’s Operating Handbook (POH) for “Nose Baggage Door Open on Takeoff” if they experience an open nose baggage door (or avionics door, if equipped).

At this time, this airworthiness concern is not considered an unsafe condition that would warrant airworthiness directive (AD) action under Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR part 39).

Background

In August 2012, a Cessna Model 425 airplane’s nose baggage door opened during flight, and the door departed the airplane. This is the only known instance of a Model 425 airplane cargo door departing the airplane. Nose baggage doors opening in flight have been a contributing factor in accidents (some fatal) on other Cessna models with similar latches. However, flight testing was previously conducted on a 400-series aircraft which showed the open door did not affect flight characteristics or multi- engine climb performance.

Recommendations

For the reasons stated above, the FAA recommends that pilots familiarize themselves with and follow the emergency procedures section of the POH for “Nose Baggage Door Open on Takeoff” if they experience an open nose baggage door. All pilots are reminded of their responsibility to verify that the cabin door, baggage door, avionics door (if equipped), engine cowlings, and fuel caps have been latched securely before flight. In addition, the FAA reminds operators that Cessna Service Bulletin CQB87-1, which specifies installation of secondary latches on nose baggage doors and avionics doors (if equipped), is available for all Cessna Model 425 airplanes.

For Further Information Contact

Ann Johnson, Aerospace Engineer, 1801 Airport Road, Room 100, Wichita, KS 67209; phone: (316) 946-4105; fax (316) 946-4107; email: [email protected]

For Related Service Information Contact

Cessna Aircraft Company, One Cessna Boulevard, PO Box 7704, Wichita, KS 67277; phone: (316) 517-6000.