During Takeoff, (Pilot) Heard A Loud “Pop” And Was Unsure What It Was

Location: Lititz, PA Accident Number: ERA25LA137
Date & Time: March 9, 2025, 15:30 Local Registration: N347M
Aircraft: Beech A36TC Injuries: 2 Serious, 3 Minor
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

On March 9, 2025, about 1530 eastern daylight time, a Beech A36TC, N347M, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Lititz, Pennsylvania. The pilot and one passenger were seriously injured, and the other three passengers sustained minor injuries. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. 

According to the pilot, during takeoff, he heard a loud “pop” and was unsure what it was. He pulled the throttle back and when he realized the cabin door had opened, he thought he pushed the throttle back forward (but was not sure). He noticed the airplane’s airspeed was not increasing and immediately looked for a place to land. He was unable to recall anything that happened after that point.

A passenger sitting in the rear seat behind the pilot stated that during takeoff, “as soon as the airplane left the ground,” the front door opened. The pilot contacted the air traffic control tower and requested to return. The front seat passenger was holding the door closed. The airplane turned left, started “shaking,” and she knew the airplane was going to crash at that point. 

A security camera located at an apartment complex across the street from the airport captured the airplane departing the runway and turning left. The airplane’s wings were rocking left to right and the tail of the airplane was low. The airplane then impacted several cars in a parking lot.

The wreckage was retained for further examination.

FMI: www.ntsb.gov