AAIB investigation to Piper PA-31, G-UKCS

Uncommanded cabin door opening in flight, near Hull, Yorkshire, 23 July 2021.

• From: Air Accidents Investigation Branch
• Published: 10 February 2022

• Category: Commercial - fixed wing
• Report type: Bulletin - Correspondence investigation
• Date of occurrence: 23 July 2021
• Aircraft type: Piper PA-31
• Location: Doncaster Sheffield Airport
• Registration: G-UKCS

Summary:

The aircraft’s lower cabin door came open in flight when a screw forming part of the door’s forward latching mechanism fractured. The aircraft landed safely and the investigation determined that the cabin door’s rear latch was probably not locked when the cabin door was closed, allowing the door to open when the screw fractured. The screw had not been securely fastened and was loose, which contributed to a fatigue failure of the screw. The operator has taken a number of safety actions intended to detect unsafe conditions of the cabin doors on its PA-31 fleet.

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Piper PA-31, G-UKCS 02-22

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Glossary of abbreviations

Published 10 February 2022