Airliner 99
Flight Crew Commercial; Flight Crew Flight Instructor; Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Multiengine
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 85; Flight Crew Total 1376; Flight Crew Type 72
Situational Awareness
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical; Deviation - Track / Heading All Types; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Clearance
Air Traffic Control Provided Assistance; Air Traffic Control Issued New Clearance; Flight Crew Requested ATC Assistance / Clarification; Flight Crew Returned To Departure Airport; Flight Crew Landed As Precaution
Aircraft; Human Factors; Weather
I departed [the Airport] with the crew hatch not fully secured. Prior to takeoff; the latch appeared to be over the pin; but was apparently not fully seated. Shortly after takeoff; wind noise increased. After clearing IMC; an attempt was made to secure the hatch. The handle bolted to the hatch tore free from the hatch allowing it to fly open and off of the aircraft. The timing was also unfortunately after frequency change approval; but before initial contact [with] Center.Prior to requesting clearance to return to [departure airport]; a turn to the north and leveling at a lower altitude was accomplished to remain close to the airport. There were storms in the area; but the incident occurred in VMC. ATC allowed return to [departure airport] to inspect for damage; the subsequent approach and landing was uneventful; priority handling was not requested or granted. There was no damage to the empennage; or its control surfaces.I think I should have contacted ATC to obtain clearance prior to making the deviation. Had the distraction occurred in IMC; the priority of clearance and communication would have been higher and the deviation would not have occurred.
Beechcraft 99 pilot reported taking off with the crew hatch not fully secured; and that the hatch subsequently departed that aircraft.