Investigation number
199603886
Occurrence date
Location
26 km south-east of Archerfield Aerodrome
State
Queensland
Report release date
Report status
Final
Investigation type
Occurrence Investigation
Investigation status
Completed
Occurrence class
Accident
The pilot reported that the upper half of the aircraft's cabin door separated in flight. The incident occurred when the top front latch came loose, at about 110 kts during the pullout from an aerobatic manoeuvre. The slipstream then pulled the window outwards, and it was torn off. As it departed the Perspex window and top door frame struck the lower surface of the right wing, tearing the fabric and fracturing 5 ribs.
The pilot was able to land the aircraft safely at Archerfield. He said that control of the aircraft was not greatly affected by the damaged wing.
Aircraft Details
Manufacturer
Bellanca Aircraft Corp
Model
8KCAB
Registration
VH-DEC
Sector
Piston
Departure point
Archerfield QLD
Destination
Archerfield QLD
Damage
Substantial