From the Q & A:

Q: I worked for Piedmont for 30 years and have sent this page to some of the PAI pilots who flew this a/c. There is a book of DC3 accidents which contains this story: "...one of the interesting investigations included in this massive digital document is the factual tale of Mr. Oren A. Pruitt, a passenger who fell to his death through the main cabin door on Piedmont Airlines DC-3 N45V. While cruising at an altitude of 6,500 feet, Mr. Pruitt had an unexpected surprise as he waited for the lavatory to become available. After finding the primary lavatory occupied, Mr. Pruitt, who was on his honeymoon and had been drinking, apparently attempted to use the alternative lavatory. Witness state they heard a sudden rush of wind after Mr. Pruitt opened the main cabin door and observed Mr. Pruitt attempting to hold on to the door frame as he fell out of the plane to his death." This happened somewhere over the Shenandoah Valley. Doors were modified after that to not be accidentally opened.

A: Thanks for the info. I knew of this story about Mr. Pruitt. It just so happens that N45V is this airplane. She has a lot of history! Thanks CJ

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1992 300D 2.5T
1980 Euro 300D (sadly, sold)
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1974 Triumph TR6
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