MBB BK-117 N230H

Summary

On 28 August 1998 at about 15:53 local time, a MBB BK-117 registered N230H, operated by St. Louis Helicopters, was involved in an accident near Topeka, Kansas, United States. 3 people were on board and nobody was injured. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

28 August 1998 at 15:53

Classification

Accident

Location

Topeka, Kansas, United States

Nearest airport

Forbes Field (FOE)

Coordinates

Not recorded

Aircraft

MBB BK-117

Registration

N230H

Category

Helicopter

Engines

2

Operator

St. Louis Helicopters

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Unknown

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

CHI98LA342

Nobody was injured.

the pilot's failure to assure the engine cowling was secured during the aircraft preflight which resulted in the cowling separating from the helicopter and damaging the main rotor and tail rotor system. Factors associated with the accident were the cowling not being secured and inadequate design of the latching system by the manufacturer.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record. This site does not paraphrase or interpret it.

Read the full NTSB narrative

The accident occurred on a maintenance test flight after having had the No. 1 engine replaced. When returning from the flight a 'severe bump' and 'loud bang' were experienced followed by the helicopter rotating to the right. A pilot landed the helicopter in a field during which time it rolled over on its left side. Post accident inspection revealed the No. 1 engine cowling separated from the helicopter inflight. This damaged the main rotor blades which resulted in an imbalance and subsequent loss of the tail rotor gear box. Both Hartwell cowling latches appeared in the closed position; however, the aft latch was not damaged as was the forward latch. The manufacturer is aware of similar problems and has issued service bulletins addressing the problems. The latest service bulletin, SB-MBB-BK 117-20-109, had not been incorporated on the accident helicopter.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.