# NTSB ATL83IA034: Beech G18S, N5BA, Huntsville, AL, November 16, 1982

- Type: NTSB incident investigation
- Classification: Incident · No injuries · Incident investigation · Final report
- Date: November 16, 1982, 06:45 local (12:45 UTC)
- Place: Huntsville, AL
- Location: 34.7304° N, 86.5861° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Huntsville, AL, within about 9 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=34.7304&lon=-86.5861&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report November 16, 1983
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 71129
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL83IA034
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/71129/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL83IA034

## Analysis

THE LEFT CARGO DOOR SEPARATED FROM THE ACFT. THE DOOR WAS A HAMILTON CARGO DOOR INSTALLED UNDER AN STC WHICH REQUIRED 3 HINGES ON TOP & 3 PINS ON BOTTOM WITH AN OVERCENTER LOCKING MECHANISM ON THE HANDLE FOR THE PINS. THIS DOOR HAD 2 HINGES INSTALLED. ONLY 2 PINS WERE FOUND OPERATIONAL & THERE WAS NO OPERABLE OVERCENTER LOCKING MECHANISM.

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, descent - normal
  - door,cargo/baggage - improper (cause)
  - maintenance,installation - improper, company maintenance personnel (cause)
  - door,cargo/baggage - separation

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N5BA](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N5BA), registered now, S/N BA-614, built 1962 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: BEECH G18S
- Registry model: [Beech G18S](https://openairdocs.org/model/beech-g18s) (registry code 1151010) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Pratt & Whitney R-985 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/pratt-whitney-r-985-series) (registry code 52008, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: BA 614
- Engines: P&W R-985-AN14B 450 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Minor damage
- Flight: Part 135
- Operator: Bo-S-Aire
- Registered owner: Shirley Bowman
- Departed: LOUISVILLE, KY
- Destination: HAYDEN, CO
- Flight plan: VFR

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 32; airline transport; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 1, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; flight hours: 5,500 total, 2,500 in this make and model, 5,500 as pilot in command, 40 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Dusk
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Temperature: 86 °F

## FAA reports on this event (1)

The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs).

- [Incident 19821116065209I](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19821116065209I), Nov 16, 1982: Beech G18S, Huntsville, AL, Minor damage. Cargo door fell off the aircraft in flight during approach to airport. Door not properly locked prior to departure.

## Other investigations on N5BA (2)

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

- [NTSB MIA83LA155](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA83LA155), Jun 7, 1983: Beech G18S (N5BA), Jacksonville, FL, substantial damage
- [NTSB MIA82IA002](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA82IA002), Oct 12, 1981: Beech G18S (N5BA), Jacksonville, FL, substantial damage

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

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