NTSB Factual Report

On September 8, 2004, about 0704 eastern daylight time, a Cessna 402C, N5774C, was substantially damaged during an aborted takeoff at Yeager Airport, Charleston, West Virginia. The certificated commercial pilot was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the planned flight to Norfolk, Virginia. An instrument flight rules flight plan was filed for the air taxi flight conducted under 14 CFR Part 135.

The pilot stated that he was departing on runway 33, a 4,751-foot-long, 150-foot-wide, asphalt runway. The pilot further stated the runway was wet due to rain. About halfway down the runway, during rotation, the left nose cargo door opened. The pilot aborted the takeoff; however, the airplane overran the runway and struck an embankment.

Review of a Cessna 402C Information Manual revealed:

"If a baggage door is left unlatched, it may open as the nose is raised on takeoff. The door will not hit a propeller nor will there be any unusual handling characteristics. If sufficient runway remains for a safe abort, the airplane should be stopped. If the decision is made to continue the takeoff, maintain airspeed below 120 KIAS and return for landing as soon as practical. Avoid lowering the nose abruptly which could throw loose objects out of the compartment."

Examination of the wreckage by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector did not reveal any discrepancies with the cargo door latches, nor did the pilot report any.

The reported weather at CRW, at 0714, was: wind from 050 degrees at 9 knots; visibility 5 miles in rain and mist; few clouds at 1,000 feet; ceiling broken at 1,700 feet; ceiling overcast at 3,600 feet; temperature 69 degrees F; dew point 66 degrees F; altimeter 29.80 inches Hg.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's improper decision to abort the takeoff with insufficient runway remaining. A factor was the wet runway.