Pilot Debrief

HUGHES 369HS near Paicines, CA — 2010-06-22

Final reportWPR10LA308
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Date
2010-06-22
Location
Paicines, CA, USA
Aircraft
HUGHES 369HS
Registration
N8305F
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Cruise

Probable cause

An in-flight fire for undetermined reasons.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that he had been airborne for a little over an hour and was at an altitude of 3,000 feet and cruising at 100 knots. The pilot stated that he smelled smoke and felt an unusual vibration. The pilot immediately made a precautionary landing in a parking lot. As he and his passengers were exiting the helicopter, the pilot noted a fire. The pilot was unable to put the fire out with a fire extinguisher and the helicopter was subsequently consumed. Due to the extensive thermal damage, postaccident examination of the helicopter by two Federal Aviation Administration inspectors could not determine the source of the fire.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Mechanical failure
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have landed earlier upon first noticing smoke and vibration.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 1 docket document
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents1

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