PA-23 Apache/Geronimo Apache
Flight Crew Multiengine; Flight Crew Flight Instructor; Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP); Flight Crew Instrument
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 12.4; Flight Crew Total 12552.3; Flight Crew Type 141.6
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Inflight Event / Encounter Weather / Turbulence
Air Traffic Control Provided Assistance; Flight Crew Landed in Emergency Condition; Flight Crew Diverted; Flight Crew Requested ATC Assistance / Clarification; General Flight Cancelled / Delayed; General Maintenance Action
Procedure; Aircraft; Weather
When operating single pilot; pilot's used to crew operations should consider risks of reliance on other pilots as they would in a crew operation. Even experienced and competent pilots in the same manner as fully trained crew members specific to make and model. They may or may not have correct knowledge of procedures - they have not been tested.I preflighted the aircraft from the outside the other pilot preflighted from the inside - just like crew flying. Possibly the exit handle was not fully engaged due to maintenance action at pre-buy inspection. The aircraft had been flying for 2+45 through some notable turbulence; on descent in smooth air and passing through a wind shift (355/12-250/12); the emergency exit hatch departed the aircraft.ATC was [advised] and a safe landing ensued at ZZZ. Reports were made to Center; the FAA office; and the NTSB.
PA-23 pilot reported diverting after an escape hatch blew off during turbulence.