# NTSB Accident ANC96FA078
> **Piper PA-31-350** · 1996-05-24 · POINT HOPE, AK, USA · SERS
## Event
- **NTSB number:** ANC96FA078
- **Event ID:** 20001208X05678
- **Type:** Accident
- **Date:** 1996-05-24
- **Location:** POINT HOPE, AK, USA
- **Coordinates:** 68.700714, -164.810012
## Injuries
- **Highest injury:** SERS
- **Fatal:** 0
- **Serious:** 2
- **Minor:** 2
- **Uninjured:** 2
- **Total aboard:** 6
## Aircraft
- **Make:** Piper
- **Model:** PA-31-350
- **Registration:** N4109E
- **FAR Part:** 135
- **Engines:** 2
- **Damage:** SUBS
## Conditions
- **Light:** DAYL
- **Weather:** VMC
## Probable cause

The pilot's inadequate preflight to ensure the nose baggage door was properly latched, and the subsequent opening of the baggage compartment door, which allowed items to collide with the left propeller, resulting in propeller damage and loss of thrust from the left engine.

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*Source: [NTSB CAROL](https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-main-public/basic-search?source=ntsb&type=event&ntsb_number=ANC96FA078) · AI Analytics · CC0 1.0*