An open door handled incorrectly can be life threatening, I know of at least one incident where the Pilot became over distracted by this on a departure in IMC and ended up dead.
This was in a Cirrus which you do have to be very specific that the doors are properly latched, but it is still a weakness of the design of certain models in my opinion.
In reality in this aircraft it is a none event how the aircraft flies but can be very alarming as they tend to pop open and noise is the main distraction and can alarm passengers which is not good, and I would certainly recommend this as an experience as part of formal training
Kiwi sounds like you handled well and now have sought further opinions, some of which are good advice and you will be that much more experienced if there is a next time.
Last edited by 007helicopter; 3rd February 2013 at 09:26.