Pilot Debrief

Arrow Falcon Exporters UH-1H near Firebaugh, CA — 2023-11-04

Final reportWPR24LA030
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Date
2023-11-04
Location
Firebaugh, CA, USA
Airport
F34
Aircraft
Arrow Falcon Exporters UH-1H
Registration
N3053Q
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Ground

Probable cause

An on-ground fuel fire for reasons that could not be determined due to extensive thermal damage.

NTSB narrative

The helicopter caught fire shortly after the first start of the day; the pilot shut down the helicopter, exited, and called 911. The fire originated on the left side of the helicopter where the fuel shutoff valve is located, on the airframe side of the firewall. The helicopter sustained extensive thermal damage in the cargo area. The fuel shutoff valve and associated fuel lines were destroyed. Maintenance personnel stated that they thought one of the inlet fuel lines had come loose and sprayed fuel, which ignited and started the fire; however, no such evidence to support or disprove this theory survived the fire. The last annual inspection was signed off about three and a half months before the accident. Maintenance personnel checked the fuel lines on the airframe side to the fuel shutoff valve with no issues noted in the maintenance log.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Mechanical failure
First missed decision gate
Performing a more thorough inspection of fuel lines before startup.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Photos
  • 8 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents8

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