Beechcraft 95-B55 | N4321Z

The DTSB determines the Probable Cause of this accident to be Pilot Error, in that the pilot and the pilot rated passenger both failed to secure the right cabin entry door, and the door came open after takeoff. The accident pilot mishandled the very simple abnormal condition. Both occupants were very experienced. The accident pilot reported the open door condition to ATC and asked for an immediate return. In the process of turning the aircraft to the right and struggling with the door, the aircraft was maneuvered well below DMMS, whereupon it stalled, and entered into an aerodynamic spin after achieving a maximum altitude of 300 AGL.

The DTSB recommends that all pilots of all aircraft rehearse and condition themselves to be fully prepared to secure all doors, hatches, and latches before boarding the aircraft, and to be fully prepared to fly straight ahead and disregard any abnormal condition once airborne. The DTSB recommends that all pilots of all aircraft fly straight ahead until the situation becomes more manageable. There was no need to talk on the radio. Aviate. Navigate. Communicate.