Post by Bruce on Apr 13, 2005 17:54:34 GMT 12
Our beloved, Courageous heroic PM nearly died in a horrendous near - accident today when flying between Wellington and Rotorua. Aircraft was a Mountain Air Piper Aztec the cabin door flew open in severe tubulence and if it wasnt for the heroic actions of police officers in the nearby seats, all aboard would have been sucked out into space.... The PM even suffered a major injury when her briefcase bumped her arm. At least thats what the media say.
lets add some facts to the story
Door open incidents are scary, but do happen from time to time, and in most instances are not serious. I had the door of a cessna 152 open on takeoff on my very first flying lesson My first takeoff! It wasnt the slightest problem, I ignored it until at a safe altitude. the instructor took control and slowed the aircraft, while I pulled the door shut - Arent I a hero...
I used to work the company that looked after mountain Airs Aztecs and Islanders, so I know the aircraft very well. The Aztec has two door latches one at the top and the main one on the side. it is possible the main latch plate was worn so the pawl disengaged in turbulence, but normally the top latch would hold it in place it sound like the Rubber door grommet may have fouled one or both of the latches. it would be noticeable when the door was closed and the pilot should have investigated it before takeoff - however I can guess the pressure he would have been under to get going....
When the door opened in flight it would have been scary, but the Aztec is not pressurised so there is no danger of being sucked out. It is also approved for flight with the cabin door removed, for photography etc, so there wouldnt be issues with structural loadings. With the door ajar airflow over the tailplane would be affected, but not unduly so. In some respects it would have been better for the door to be ripped off its hinges as that would reduce the airflow problems. a PAN PAN (urgency) call would be sensible, and land as soon as possible, but not a huge issue.
I'm really surprised Helen noticed it at all, as she didnt notice the high speed drive through Canterbury en route toa Rugby Game.
Basically - its not a biggie, but the press will make it big in order to show Helens courage and bravery under difficult situations ;D Now she'll want her own executive jet to avoid flying with "dangerous" small operators.
lets add some facts to the story
Door open incidents are scary, but do happen from time to time, and in most instances are not serious. I had the door of a cessna 152 open on takeoff on my very first flying lesson My first takeoff! It wasnt the slightest problem, I ignored it until at a safe altitude. the instructor took control and slowed the aircraft, while I pulled the door shut - Arent I a hero...
I used to work the company that looked after mountain Airs Aztecs and Islanders, so I know the aircraft very well. The Aztec has two door latches one at the top and the main one on the side. it is possible the main latch plate was worn so the pawl disengaged in turbulence, but normally the top latch would hold it in place it sound like the Rubber door grommet may have fouled one or both of the latches. it would be noticeable when the door was closed and the pilot should have investigated it before takeoff - however I can guess the pressure he would have been under to get going....
When the door opened in flight it would have been scary, but the Aztec is not pressurised so there is no danger of being sucked out. It is also approved for flight with the cabin door removed, for photography etc, so there wouldnt be issues with structural loadings. With the door ajar airflow over the tailplane would be affected, but not unduly so. In some respects it would have been better for the door to be ripped off its hinges as that would reduce the airflow problems. a PAN PAN (urgency) call would be sensible, and land as soon as possible, but not a huge issue.
I'm really surprised Helen noticed it at all, as she didnt notice the high speed drive through Canterbury en route toa Rugby Game.
Basically - its not a biggie, but the press will make it big in order to show Helens courage and bravery under difficult situations ;D Now she'll want her own executive jet to avoid flying with "dangerous" small operators.
