DA40 Diamond Star
Flight Crew Commercial; Flight Crew Instrument
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 8.8; Flight Crew Total 3650.8; Flight Crew Type 455.8
Situational Awareness
Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
Aircraft Aircraft Damaged; Flight Crew Rejected Takeoff
Human Factors
Rear passenger access door was inadvertently left open on takeoff roll; and departed the aircraft prior to liftoff; takeoff was aborted prior to liftoff. The canopy-open warning light had been cancelled while taxiing; as the front canopy was then locked in the partially open position to allow cooler air to enter the cockpit. The front canopy was closed and locked just prior to beginning the takeoff roll; but the rear access door was overlooked. The two composite tabs on the access door; which attach to the hinges; snapped and the access door blew off without impacting the aft fuselage or tail. Damage was limited to the access door and its support rod.
DA40-180 pilot reported he failed to close the rear passenger access door and it departed the aircraft on takeoff roll. Takeoff was aborted.