Europa, G-OURO, 5 July 2013

• From: Air Accidents Investigation Branch
• Published: 10 December 2014

• Category: General aviation - fixed wing
• Report type: Bulletin - Correspondence investigation
• Date of occurrence: 5 July 2013
• Aircraft type: Europa
• Location: Turweston Airfield, Buckinghamshire
• Registration: G-OURO

Europa, G-OURO

Summary:

The aircraft’s gull-wing doors were closed during pre-flight preparation. However, the pilot reported that he did not turn round to check that the rear securing pin was properly engaged to ensure door locking. Nothing unusual was noticed during takeoff until the aircraft was passing a height of 300 ft, at which point the pilot’s door opened and, after about four seconds, detached from the aircraft. As the door detached, it struck the port wing trailing edge, causing superficial damage. The pilot made a ‘PAN PAN’ call and returned to a normal landing at Turweston. He attributed the loss of the door to his failure to carry out a visual check for correct engagement of the rear locking pin.

Download report:

Europa, G-OURO 09-13.pdf (177.62 kb)

Published 10 December 2014