Flight Crew Private
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 20; Flight Crew Total 150; Flight Crew Type 50
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical
Aircraft Aircraft Damaged; Flight Crew Returned To Departure Airport; General Maintenance Action
Aircraft
After a thorough preflight and takeoff run-up; pilot departed in clear conditions with no indication of problems. At nearly 900 FT; Tower assigned pilot heading of 210 and transferred to Departure frequency. Before contacting Departure; while turning; the front latch of the passenger door unlatched and bent rearward. At this point; pilot returned to Tower frequency and requested landing. Approximately 30 seconds after; the rear latch also became unlatched causing door to open upward to fully open position. Pilot was cleared to land and proceeded to land and taxi back to the FBO ramp without further complications. Upon further inspection; pilot noticed missing Plexiglas from passenger window and door frame damage; but is unsure of exact phase of flight in which damage occurred. It is important to note that we have experienced similar situations where the door has opened during takeoff roll or shortly after takeoff in this type aircraft.
The reporter stated that the aircraft manufacturer shipped modified door latches and the existing ones were replace in a matter of days. The door latch weakness is a known issue and is the object of a service bulletin.
Both passenger door latches of a C162 failed after takeoff; allowing the door to fully open upward. At some point the Plexiglas window separated from the door. The aircraft returned to the airport.