Preliminary Report: Mechanic hit by door

Hawker Beechcraft King Air 200, Taylor, Texas, April 11, 2008–A mechanic was killed when he tried to enter the Alaro King Air with the engines running. Flight testing a new vertical speed indicator installation, the pilot heard a loud, high-pitched “screaming” sound. Returning to the airport, the pilot reported the sound to the mechanic, who wanted to board to troubleshoot the problem. The NTSB report said unexpected cabin pressure caused the entry door to hit the mechanic’s head when he tried to open the door.