19 May 2022: EUROCOPTER AS355 N — Palm Beach, FL

No fatalitiesPalm Beach, FL, United States

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.

— NTSB Determination

Contributing factors

PilotInadequate inspectionMaintenance personnel