Beechcraft BE-A36 | N629BE

The DTSB determines the Probable Cause to be Pilot Error, in that the pilot announced the need for an immediate return to the departure field, as he mis-handled an open passenger door after takeoff. Doorbell cameras captured the sound of the engine at full power and the sound of the impact, there was no video of the crash sequence. The pilot likely became distracted and diverted full attention to the open door and the aircraft entered a steep left descending turn where it impacted the top a large tree, then continued downward at a 45 degree angle. There was nothing wrong with the airframe, engine, or weather at the time of the impact.

The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
The pilot’s excessive turn rate and bank angle while at low airspeed and altitude, resulting in an
accelerated aerodynamic stall, loss of airplane control, and collision with terrain.

The DTSB recommends that all pilots of all aircraft be fully prepared for open doors, open cowling, open hatches, or open baggage doors after takeoff, and commit to level flight at DMMS and a very cautious return to land, disregarding any open condition until landing is complete. The DTSB recommends AQP conditioning for this scenario.