MBB-BK 117 All Series
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Other / Unknown
Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Inflight Event / Encounter Other / Unknown
Aircraft Aircraft Damaged
Aircraft; Human Factors
After a 2 hour four legged patient flight on approach back to [the medical center]; the inspection side of the hydraulic cowling came open and struck the blades. Two flight crew members were on board. I can only assume my initial and subsequent pre-flight walk arounds were deficient. Do not allow other pre-flight factors to distract one from security of cowlings inspection.
The Captain of a medevac helicopter flight reported that an external inspection access door opened in flight and struck the rotor blades. The flight landed safely and there were no injuries reported.