# NTSB Accident CHI98LA342
> **MBB BK-117** · 1998-08-28 · TOPEKA, KS, USA · NONE
## Event
- **NTSB number:** CHI98LA342
- **Event ID:** 20001211X10820
- **Type:** Accident
- **Date:** 1998-08-28
- **Location:** TOPEKA, KS, USA
## Injuries
- **Highest injury:** NONE
- **Fatal:** 0
- **Serious:** 0
- **Minor:** 0
- **Uninjured:** 3
- **Total aboard:** 3
## Aircraft
- **Make:** MBB
- **Model:** BK-117
- **Registration:** N230H
- **FAR Part:** 091
- **Engines:** 2
- **Damage:** SUBS
## Conditions
- **Light:** DAYL
- **Weather:** VMC
## Probable cause

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.

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*Source: [NTSB CAROL](https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-main-public/basic-search?source=ntsb&type=event&ntsb_number=CHI98LA342) · AI Analytics · CC0 1.0*