Door Latch failed in moderate turbulence

[Gus Ziegler]

Hello

At 10500 feet the door latch failed today when we flew into some moderate turbulence just north of KONT enroute to Catalina. We called for descent and completed "Open Door In Flight" in the POH at 6500 feet. Was able to latch the door and completed the flight to Catalina.

How do we fix a 1966 Comanche door?

Thanks
Gus

[Charles Schefer]

Sorry to hear of your door trouble.

I'd start by identifying exactly what part of the door latch has failed if you (what inner working parts) and then look at the IPC and call Webco to see if you can get replace,net parts. I know they sell some if not all of the inner door workings parts.

- Charles

[Andreas Riedel]

Hi Gus, same happened to me a long time ago. I installed a second door latch on the roof. Solved the problem and never happened again. It's a part from another Piper aircraft, I believe a Warrior. I have a PA30 66. As far as I know a lot of us have it.
Andreas

[N3322G]

In 45 years of family ownership, the Twin's door latch has never failed in any kind of turbulence light, moderate or severe. It has been in rough enough weather to slow it down to maneuvering speed. Severe enough to put my tight seat-belted 5'4" head on the ceiling and still no door opening.

The only failures have been when a human failed to secure it prior to flight. I'd suggest Charles' approach and figure out why it failed rather than assume it needs assistance.

[Gus Ziegler]

Hello All,

I think I found the solution. Webco sells a upper door latch kit for $214.50 which takes 8-10 hours to install.

Problems can be solved.

Thanks
Gus

[Michael Duncan]

Have the upper latch on our door also. I can tell you from experience I was cruising along one day and the door popped open at the bottom latch. I'am sure it because I did not secure it properly since it hasn't happened since. The upper latch held firm and I landed resecured the door and went on my way. It took probably 20 or 30 minutes at level flight before the door popped open. Might be the same for you but I'd defintely give it a good inspection.
Mike

[Randy Johnson]

Gus my door lever opens in flight if it's unlocked and recently lubricated. If the lock knob is down the lever doesn't move so door stays secured. Needless to say locking the door is now a part of my preflight habit. I've never been able to get the door closed in flight once it's opened. Is there a procedure for that that works?

[N3322G]

Randy,

There is a procedure in that in the POH however - it has never worked for of us. If we have not secured it - maybe 5 times in 45 years, we always land and close.

[Gus Ziegler]

[N3322G]

Hi Gus,

Hope you are enjoying whatever Comanche you are flying. Many friends fly/have flown single Comanches in the same conditions we have with the Twin during cross country air races - again, no door openings. 'your mileage may vary'.