Probable cause
The cabin entry door inadvertently opening during initial climb.
NTSB analysis
The pilot had the copilot close the cabin entry door, which later came open while the airplane climbed through 500 feet above ground level after takeoff. The pilot executed a return to the departure airport where the airplane was landed without further incident. The door remained attached at the hinge and about half of the door skin was pulled away resulting in damage to the airplane pressure vessel. The pilot stated that the CABIN DOOR annunciator was never illuminated. The operator reported that all the door latches were in the extended positions after the accident.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN09CA470 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 23, 2009
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Bismarck, North Dakota
- Nearest airport
- Bismarck Municipal Airport (BIS)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Raytheon Aircraft Company C90A
- N-number
- N405DD
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Executive or corporate
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.