6) MISHANDLED ABN., C-FIT

Beechcraft BE-A36 | N629BE

May 2nd, 2024 | Augusta, Georgia

Accident Location

  • City: Augusta
  • State: Georgia
  • Latitude: 33.47759
  • Longitude: -82.03308
  • Airport ID: KDNL

Aircraft Info

  • N Number: N629BE
  • Make: Beechcraft
  • Model: BE-A36
  • Aircraft Category: Aircraft Single Engine Land
  • Amateur Built: No

Pilot Info

  • PIC Name: Mckenzie, Jason
  • Gender: Male
  • Pilot Age: 45
  • Pilot Hours:
  • Flight School: No
  • Instructional Flight: No
  • Pilot Certification: Private Pilot
  • IFR Rating: Yes
  • Pilot Error: Yes
  • Pilot Medical: 3rd Class Medical
  • Pilot Incapacitation: No

Analysis

  • Date: May 2nd, 2024
  • Time: 7:15 AM Local Time
  • Day / Night: Day
  • VMC / IMC: VMC
  • Phase Of Flight: Initial Climb
  • Total People Onboard: 1
  • PIC Fatality: 1
  • PAX Fatalities: 0
  • Ground Fatalities: 0
  • Total Fatalities: 1
  • NTSB No: ERA24FA206
  • NTSB Travel: Yes
  • AQP Classification: 6) MISHANDLED ABN., C-FIT

Probable Cause

DTSB: The DTSB determines the Probable Cause to be Pilot Error, in that the pilot announced the need for an immediate return to the departure field, as he mis-handled an open passenger door after takeoff. Doorbell cameras captured the sound of the engine at full power and the sound of the impact, there was no video of the crash sequence. The pilot likely became distracted and diverted full attention to the open door and the aircraft entered a steep left descending turn where it impacted the top a large tree, then continued downward at a 45 degree angle. There was nothing wrong with the airframe, engine, or weather at the time of the impact.

NTSB: NONE

Recommendation

DTSB: The DTSB recommends that all pilots of all aircraft be fully prepared for open doors, open cowling, open hatches, or open baggage doors after takeoff, and commit to level flight at DMMS and a very cautious return to land, disregarding any open condition until landing is complete. The DTSB recommends AQP conditioning for this scenario.

NTSB: NONE

DISCLAIMER: All data and Probable Cause listings are “Probable” only. They are based on opinion and educated speculation, and are for educational purposes only. They may contain incorrect information and are subject to change as new information becomes available.