REFLECTOR: Unexpected door opening

[Robin Ream]

Hello Guys,
   
    In light of the experiences we have all had at some point in our flying days, doors have always been a pain in the back side.  I don't think there's anyone with 200 hours on the log book that hasn't had a door problem on some kind of aircraft whether certified or experimental.  Fortunately, most doors open like standard car doors in that they're hinged from the front and if they come unlatched during any phase of flight it usually just scares the crap out of us and there is no real calamity.  Gull wing doors are a different situation though.  While they're wonderful for entrance and egress on the tarmac, they are a serious problem if they malfunction in the air, and here's the question:  Are there many of you flying Velocities who are re-thinking the advantages and disadvantages of the gull wing door, and if so, what are you finding the solutions to be?  --  And for those who at the end of your personal deliberations who would still opt for the gull wing, would something as simple as a deadbolt (weighing only a few ounces) serve as a fail-safe back-up to the traditional lock assembly?  Thanks for your thoughts.

Robin
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  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Al Gietzen 
  To: 'Velocity Aircraft Owners and Builders list' 
  Sent: Monday, June 01, 2009 1:42 PM
  Subject: REFLECTOR: Unexpected door opening




  By "we" I assume you had someone sitting in the passenger seat when this all happened?   What was their version of the story as the door disappeared, I assume they were buckled in.    

  Yes; my good friend, and fellow Velocity builder, was with me.  He was kind enough to compliment my bringing the plane to a safe landing; and during the ordeal, was helpful in answering my queries about runway lengths and call frequencies.  Other than that he hasn't said much; but would have every right to have been very frightened. He was very helpful in working with me in the process of recovering the airplane. A greater friend would be very hard to find.



  Great job of handling the emergency and "flying the plane."    One of our local velocitites had the pilot door come open a few months ago which stayed attached and the plane was almost uncontrollable. 

  With that it makes 4 cases that I am aware of.  I am fortunate that the door departed the plane, but at about 200 mph, that's the likely outcome.  Also very fortunate that it did not impact the prop.



  Al

     







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