Almost the true story on single engine gear up

[edasmus]

Interesting about the doors popping open on your 73G models. I have the same aircraft and have always wondered what would happen to that top door if it opened in flight. Any recollections as to the airspeeds when the door opened you guys? I have a vivid imagination and picture things like the door departing the airframe punching a hole in a fuel tank, taking out the inboard flap, taking out the rear prop, and last but not least, damaging the tail feathers. Not a pretty scene. I was so concerned about this that last annual I had my shop rebuild the latch and lock. I added a velcro tab to ensure the button is held down and my IA added a short cable that is attached to the airframe on the inside in front of the door and on the other end has a pin that locks through a hole that was drilled into the handle which when engaged holds the handle forward. The theory being if the handle stays foward regardless if it is locked with the button, the pins stay engaged and the door cannot open. I figured that not too many of these doors were opening in flight thinking if they were an AD would be in order. But hearing your stories makes me wonder. Good to know though that your doors did not depart the airframe. I am curious to the airspeeds however.

Ed

[jhickam]

On my 77 337G model I believe the airspeed was about 130 mph on climbout. As soon as the door came open I slowed to 100 mph and returned to the airport and landed. It appears the door seal shrinks over the years and allows the door not to latch as it should. Before we put the shims in you could tap on the door and it would open. After the shims where installed the is very positive when it is shut.

[Ernie Martin]

My speed was probably around 130 MPH. Like I said, the fully open door had little effect on airspeed, dynamics or handling. I inspected the door as soon as I exited the aircraft and there was damage to the articulating linkake that holds the door open, but zero damage to the hinge at the top of the door. Nothing flew off and there was no bending or any sign of stress along the top hinge, so nothing to suggest that the door was close to separation. We have removed the damaged pieces and the door closes flush against the fuselage. Agsin, this was my fault, in failing to lock it.

Ernie

[edasmus]

Thanks guys. Again, glad to know it all ended well. I wonder what the result would be at 180 or 190 mph descending. Lets keep those doors latched!!!!!