Lost left door this morning on take off from home airport at KFWS at about 500-600 AGL. Was able to fly pattern and land without further incident. Retrieved the door from runway. Outer door skin torn at top near back hinge and outer skin was delaminated down to lower window level, the window of coarse was broken.
I had the planaround.com door latch (180 degrees) installed and door was in locked position with pins full extended when door retrieved so nothing is fool proof. Same door had popped open on take-off roll with stock Van's safety latch just after I got the plane.
Tail appears undamaged and those on ramp stated door appeared to clear tail.
Need advice on how to fix, insurance has $2500 deductable and have no idea how much would cost to fix. Should I make a claim and let insurace handle it, order parts and rebuild it myself (I am not the original builder so not sure I can even do this) or ???
Any builders in Fort Worth Spinks area that would be willing to help or at least look at and give an opnion?
Do I need to file a report with FAA or anyone? Tower did not ask me to call them.
Thanks
Gerald
N710WH
dues paid
I had the planaround.com door latch (180 degrees) installed and door was in locked position with pins full extended when door retrieved so nothing is fool proof. Same door had popped open on take-off roll with stock Van's safety latch just after I got the plane.
Tail appears undamaged and those on ramp stated door appeared to clear tail.
Need advice on how to fix, insurance has $2500 deductable and have no idea how much would cost to fix. Should I make a claim and let insurace handle it, order parts and rebuild it myself (I am not the original builder so not sure I can even do this) or ???
Any builders in Fort Worth Spinks area that would be willing to help or at least look at and give an opnion?
Do I need to file a report with FAA or anyone? Tower did not ask me to call them.
Thanks
Gerald
N710WH
dues paid