Passenger door total failed in flight CH-750 STOL

Last week while in a descending left turn the passenger bubble door imploded into the cockpit trapping the control stick within fiberglass frame parts and broken plexiglass in a full left and forward deflection. Took me a moment to realize what had happened and with my free hand I dislodged the passenger dual stick from the door and regained positive control. Climbed to 2500' and flew back to airport with one hand holding broken door away from the controls. Landed safely and now preparing to install the bubble door upgrade.

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Permalink Reply by David J. Beaulieu on August 6, 2020 at 9:36am

Good job on flying the aircraft to a safe recovery!!  Surprising the pax door imploded (opposite direction of turn) - maybe Zenith will want the remains for assessment/quality control?

Permalink Reply by Jim butler on August 6, 2020 at 9:43am
Thanks David, I am suspect that the latching rod was not engaging aft strike plate properly, negative pressure on the aft portion of plexiglass sucked outwards on rear of glass and then the front fiberglass overhang lip was able to blow in past everything and that was all it took. Zenith has not reached out to me during the ordering new door process.
Permalink Reply by Gary Burdett on August 6, 2020 at 2:08pm
I believe you are correct Jim, when mine broke, it was the rear wire attachment, so I upgraded the rest attach point with a nylon block which captures a solid 3/8 rod which is screwed onto the existing wire .

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