Aviation safety investigations & reports
In-flight fire involving Eurocopter, AS 350BA, VH-HEB, 51 km west of Ceduna, SA, 19 June 2012
Investigation number:
AO-2012-084
AO-2012-084
Status: Completed
Summary
On 19 June 2012 at about 1645 Central Standard Time, a Eurocopter AS-350BA helicopter, registered VH-HEB (HEB), was en-route from Ceduna to Border Village, South Australia when abnormal fumes were detected in the cockpit. The pilot conducted an emergency landing. Once on the ground, the passenger exited the aircraft and noticed smoke and fire emanating from the aft cargo compartment. The pilot and passenger left the vicinity of the helicopter, which was subsequently destroyed as a result of the fire. This accident highlights the importance of having appropriate practices and procedures in place for the transport of dangerous goods and conducting remote area operations.
Aviation Short Investigation Bulletin – Issue 14
General details
| Date: | 19 June 2012 | Investigation status: | Completed | ||
| Time: | 1645 CST | ||||
| Location (show map): | 51 km west of Ceduna | Investigation type: | Occurrence Investigation | ||
| State: | South Australia | Occurrence type: | Fire | ||
| Release date: | 20 December 2012 | Occurrence class: | Operational | ||
| Report status: | Final | Occurrence category: | Accident | ||
| Highest injury level: | None |
Aircraft details
| Aircraft manufacturer | Eurocopter | |
|---|---|---|
| Aircraft model | AS350 | |
| Aircraft registration | VH-HEB | |
| Serial number | 2713 | |
| Type of operation | Private | |
| Sector | Helicopter | |
| Damage to aircraft | Destroyed | |
| Departure point | Ceduna, SA | |
| Destination | Border Village, SA |