Diamond DA40 Diamond Star, N557AF, incident occurred on January 27, 2026, at Sacramento International Airport (SMF/KSMF), Sacramento, California

This is preliminary information, subject to change, and may contain errors. Any errors in this report will be corrected when the final report has been completed.

https://registry.faa.gov/AircraftInquiry/Search/NNumberResult?nNumberTxt=N557AF

- History of Flight:
On January 27, 2026, at about 2201 local time, a Diamond DA40 Diamond Star, N557AF, registered to 2400 Rickenbacker LLC DBA, sustained unknown, but apparent minor damage when it was involved in an incident at Sacramento International Airport (SMF/KSMF), Sacramento, California. The pilot and three passengers were not injured. The personal flight was originating at the time.

According to the FAA: "Aircraft back passenger door blew off after departure and returned to airport." ADS-B data indicates the airplane departed 17R and entered the traffic pattern and landed back on the same runway.

According to the Airplane Description chapter of the POH:

Rear Door

The rear door is closed in the same way, by pulling down on the frame or on the handle (if installed) and locking it with the handle. A gas pressure damper prevents the door from dropping; in strong winds the assembly must be held. The rear door is protected against unintentional opening by an additional lever. 

The door can be blocked by a locking device (optional) on the left side near the door opening lever by turning the key clockwise. The closed and blocked door can be opened from inside by pulling the lever inside the opening handle.

WARNING

The rear door must be closed and locked, but not blocked with the locking device before the engine is started.

According to the checklists for normal operating procedures... "Pre-flight inspection:"

 1. Cabin check

d) Front canopy and rear door . . . . . . . . . . . . . . clean, undamaged, check locking mechanism function

And the BEFORE STARTING ENGINE checklist includes:

.Rear door . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . closed and locked 

.Door lock (if installed) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . unblocked, key removed

According to the Diamond DA40 Pilot Operating Handbook (POH), the following emergency procedure is used when the rear door is unlocked:

Airspeed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . below 140 KIAS

Land at the next suitable airfield.

WARNING: Do not try to lock the rear door in flight. The safety latch may disengage and the door opens. Usually this results in a separation of the door from the airplane.

NOTE: If the rear door has been lost the airplane can be safely flown to the next suitable airfield.

Figure: Diamond DA40 rear passenger door handle configuration (incase a safety latch is installed)

- Weather:
METAR KSMF 280353Z 21003KT 7SM BKN090 OVC110 12/09 A3030 RMK AO2 SLP260 T01170089

METAR KSMF 280453Z 20003KT 6SM -RA BR SCT044 SCT055 OVC075 11/09 A3032 RMK AO2 RAB0354E04B26 SLP266 P0001 T01060089