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June 24, 2012 · Sikorsky S-58B · N9043N

Brewster, WA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
June 24, 2012
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Brewster, WA
Aircraft
Sikorsky S-58B
Tail Number
N9043N
Operator
Versatile Investments
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
WPR12LA292

As the helicopter lifted into a hover, the manifold pressure gauge indicated a significant increase and the pilot smelled smoke. The pilot set the helicopter back onto the ramp and observed smoke rolling up the side of the fuselage. He egressed the helicopter rapidly and noticed fire around the engine compartment. The magnesium-constructed airframe was subsequently consumed by fire; the origin of the fire could not be determined.

NTSB Probable Cause

An in-flight fire during hover for reasons that could not be determined due to the extent of fire damage that subsequently consumed the structure.

Full Narrative

On June 24, 2012, about 1100 Pacific daylight time, a Sikorsky S-58B, N9043N, experienced an in-flight fire after the helicopter lifted into a hover at Anderson Field, Brewster, Washington. The helicopter was substantially damaged and consumed by fire. The helicopter was registered to, and operated by, Versatile Investments LTD under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 137. The commercial pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured. The local agricultural flight was departing from Brewster. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan had been filed. The purpose of the flight was for the pilot to maneuver low-level over a cherry orchard to help dry the crop. As the helicopter lifted into a hover, the manifold pressure gauge indicated a significant increase and the pilot smelled smoke. The pilot set the helicopter back onto the ramp and observed smoke rolling up the side of the fuselage. He egressed the helicopter rapidly and noticed fire around the engine compartment. The magnesium constructed airframe was consumed by fire. The extent of the damage of the wreckage precluded a post accident examination to determine the origin of the fire.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time11:00 PDT
Nearest AirportAnderson Field Airport (0nm)
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireBoth
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftSikorsky S-58B
Tail NumberN9043N
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorVersatile Investments
Operating RulePart 137
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsWright · R-1820 SER · Reciprocating · 1475
Seats14

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 21 · First Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind340° @ 11 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 9000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point63 F / 55
Altimeter29.88 inHg
Observation Time16:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data