Cessna 425/441 Conquest I/Conquest II
Flight Crew Private; Flight Crew Multiengine; Flight Crew Instrument
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 20; Flight Crew Total 3050; Flight Crew Type 600
Distraction; Situational Awareness
Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
Flight Crew Returned To Departure Airport; Flight Crew Became Reoriented
Human Factors; Aircraft
Prior to flight the aircraft was loaded outside in a heavy rain storm. My passengers loaded their baggage in the nose luggage compartment and closed the door. I told them that I would confirm that the door was closed. I normally walk around the entire aircraft prior to taxi and verify that the baggage doors are closed and locked. In this case because of the weather I got out of my normal sequence and did not check the doors. I taxied the active runway; received my IFR clearance; and received permission to take off. I accelerated down the runway to 98 kts and upon rotation the left nose baggage door popped open and I saw a small suitcase fly out of the aircraft. The suitcase seemed that it has missed both the propeller and airframe as it flew out. There was not enough runway left to stop. I climbed out straight ahead and let the tower know that I had an open baggage door and that I would like to return to the airport for landing. I entered left traffic for runway XX. The tower told me that the suitcase was on the runway and that they would send out a truck to clear the runway. I was told that the runway was clear as I completed my downwind leg and was given clearance to land. The landing was uneventful. After landing I did a complete inspection of the aircraft and observed no damage. The suitcase was recovered with only a few scuffs.Every flight needs the same prefight routine regardless of weather or passenger actions. In this case I got out of my routine because of the confusion of loading the airplane in a rain storm. Slow down and stay focused.
CE425 pilot reported returning to the departure airport after the nose cargo compartment opened during takeoff and a suitcase fell out.