SUSSEX, NJ, USA
N5803U
PIPER PA-28-140
THE PIPER PA-28-140 HAD JUST TAKEN OFF WHEN THE MAIN CABIN DOOR UNLOCKED AT THE TOP. THE PILOT RETURNED FOR A LANDING, HAD TO GO-AROUND DUE TO TRAFFIC, AND WAS ON FINAL FOR HIS SECOND APPROACH, WITH THE TOP OF THE MAIN CABIN DOOR STILL UNLOCKED. WHEN, PASSING A HILL THE AIRCRAFT STARTED TO SINK AND FULL POWER WOULD NOT STOP THE DESCENT. THE AIRCRAFT STRUCK TELEPHONE LINES AND A POLE SHEARING OFF THE RIGHT WING PRIOR TO HITTING THE GROUND. THE PILOT AND PASSENGER RECEIVED MINOR INJURIES WHILE THE AIRCRAFT RECEIVED SUBSTANTIAL DAMAGE. THE AIRCRAFT PROPELLER TIPS WERE BENT FORWARD AND THE LEADING EDGE OF THE PROPELLER HAD SEVERE LEADING EDGE DAMAGE AND CHORDWISE SCRAPES. THE ENGINE WAS EXAMINED AND NO DEFECTS OR MALFUNCTION COULD BE FOUND.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
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