Probable cause
The overextension of the main cabin door due to difficulty opening the door because the power-assist motor cable was lodged within the main cabin door assembly.
NTSB analysis
The flight crew reported that, at the completion of the flight, the airplane taxied to the arrival gate, and ground personnel attempted to open the airplane's main passenger cabin door. The airplane had been dispatched with the main cabin door's power-assist motor inoperative, which was deferred via company maintenance procedures and the minimum equipment list. Ground personnel were unable to open the door and received assistance from the captain. Initially, the captain was unable to open the door, which was jammed in the closed position. After several attempts, the captain exerted a large force with his shoulder and was able to get the door to open. When the main cabin door was finally opened, it traveled beyond its normal extension limits and hit the pavement. The power-assist motor cable was found lodged within the door assembly.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR11IA019 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Oct 18, 2010
- Type
- Incident
- Place
- Phoenix, Arizona
- Nearest airport
- Phoenix Sky Harbor Intl. (PHX)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Bombardier Inc CL-600-2B19
- N-number
- N938SW
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Minor
- Operating rule
- Part 121 (airline)
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.