PA-23-250 Aztec
Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Multiengine; Flight Crew Commercial; Flight Crew Flight Instructor
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 150; Flight Crew Total 940; Flight Crew Type 30
Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Maintenance
Aircraft Aircraft Damaged; Flight Crew Returned To Departure Airport; Flight Crew Overcame Equipment Problem; Flight Crew Landed As Precaution; General Maintenance Action
Human Factors
I was leveling out at 2500 MSL when a passenger noticed the emergency exit window was not flush with the cabin. Within 30 seconds the window separated from the aircraft leaving an opening. The flight diverted back to the point of origin and landed without incident. The emergency exit window was lost in flight.Prior to the flight new headset jacks were installed in the third row of the cockpit.
I installed a set of headphone and microphone jacks on the farthest left hand seat panel in the aircraft in doing so I took loose a few trim panels around the emergency exit windowsill to pull wire from front to back of the aircraft. I then installed the jacks and cables and re-secured the panels. I was informed [later] that the emergency exit window had departed the aircraft in flight. The work was performed in a hangar but during a rainy evening; not sure if it being a nice day would have made a difference in the outcome but I taxied the aircraft back to the main hangar after the work was performed and did not notice anything out of the ordinary. I'm not sure if it is possible that I somehow dislodged the door or what would have caused it to come loose from the aircraft.
PA23 pilot and a maintenance technician reported that the emergency exit window separated from the aircraft during flight.