DA40 Diamond Star
Flight Crew Commercial; Flight Crew Flight Instructor; Flight Crew Instrument
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 130; Flight Crew Total 5000; Flight Crew Type 150
Training / Qualification; Distraction; Confusion; Communication Breakdown; Troubleshooting
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Flight Deck / Cabin / Aircraft Event Passenger Misconduct
Aircraft Aircraft Damaged
Aircraft; Human Factors
After performing flight maneuvers on a rental checkout; a passenger in the left rear seat of the aircraft; despite being briefed on the proper use of the door; operated the main door latch into the open position. The design of the aircraft is such that the rear door opens in a 'gull wing' style; so when the primary latch is disengaged outside airflow causes the door to open approximately one inch where it is held by the secondary latch. The noise and sudden airflow startled the passenger which caused him to grab the first handle he could reach to keep the door closed which resulted in him grabbing; and consequently releasing; the secondary latch. With both latches released; the door opened into the airflow and separated from the aircraft. This event did not result in any injuries.
[Narrative #2 contained no additional information.]
When a rear seat passenger aboard a training flight inadvertently activated both the release and safety mechanisms of the DA40's 'gull wing' cabin door it separated from the aircraft. A safe return and landing was accomplished and there were no injuries.