EUROCOPTER AS355
Palm Beach, FL — May 19, 2022
Event Information
| Date | May 19, 2022 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | ERA22LA231 |
| Event ID | 20220519105102 |
| Location | Palm Beach, FL |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 26.44836, -80.05892 |
| Highest Injury | NONE |
Aircraft
| Make | EUROCOPTER |
| Model | AS355 |
| Category | HELI |
| FAR Part | 091 |
| Aircraft Damage | SUBS |
Conditions
| Light Condition | DAYL |
| Weather | VMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 0 |
| Serious | 0 |
| Minor | 0 |
| None | 1 |
| Total Injured | 0 |
Event Location
Probable Cause
The pilot’s inadequate preflight inspection, which resulted in the unlatched engine cowling opening and being struck by a main rotor blade during flight. Contributing to the accident was the mechanic’s failure to properly secure the cowling following maintenance.
About This NTSB Record
This aviation event was investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). NTSB investigates all U.S. civil aviation accidents to determine probable cause and issue safety recommendations to prevent future accidents.