.... prior to take-off the pilot noticed the jettison handle was out of position and the wire broken. he reset the handle and checked the door for security, altho admits to not checking the locating pins. the door detached inflight.
So if that is correct then the pilot did not know how the door jettison mechanism worked, and reset the jettison handle thinking all would be well
This seems to be a classic "CRM" chain -
Lack of training or knowledge in respect of the pilot - the aircraft should not have taken off in this condition - it was an accident waiting to happen.
A departing door could easily have resulted in catastrophic damage to the aircraft in flight, and this time it seems there was a lucky escape.
I hope this thread will alert any other 135 drivers / passengers / crew / observers etc. to the potential for such an accident, pending any further circulation or advice from Operators, Maintenance Organisations, CAA etc.
