Doors involving a Bell Helicopter Co UH-1B, VH-NVV, 8km NE NAS Nowra, NSW on 15 May 1993

The aircraft was conducting a vertical take-off near a McDonalds Restaurant as part of a fund raising activity. At about 300 feet the right rear cabin door detached from the aircraft whilst being closed by a crew member. Investigation revealed that the door lower track was cracked and deformed and the upper track had slight deformation sufficient to allow the door to separate from the aircraft. The first section of the crack in the lower track was discoloured indicating it had been present for some time. Maintenance procedures have been amended to include a detailed inspection of the door and attaching hardware into the five weekly routine servicing schedule.