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Air Ambulance Helicopter Makes Emergency Landing After Engine Fire (N365DU)

Fort Bragg, NC, US

On June 15, 1992, an Aerospatiale AS-355-F (registration N365DU) operated by Omniflight Helicopters was involved in an aviation accident near Fort Bragg, NC. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE TOTAL BLOCKAGE OF THE OIL SUPPLY LINE FOR THE REAR MAIN BEARING IN ENGINE MODULE THREE WHICH RESULTED IN THE FAILURE OF THE BEARING, AND THE SUBSEQUENT LEAK FROM THE ENGINE START DRAIN VALVE. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 3 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

An air ambulance helicopter en route to pick up a patient experienced an engine fire warning and smoke in the cabin, prompting an emergency landing at Simmons Army Airfield. Examination revealed blocked oil supply, bearing failure, and a fuel leak caused by vibration.

Incident Overview

An air ambulance helicopter was en route to pick up a patient when the pilot observed the engine fire light illuminate. Shortly thereafter, smoke entered the cabin area. The flight crew executed an emergency landing at the nearby Simmons Army Airfield at Fort Bragg, North Carolina.

Examination Findings

Following the incident, an examination of the helicopter revealed multiple issues. The oil supply line for the bearing was blocked with carbon, and the rear bearing in the number three module had failed. Additionally, the engine start fuel valve began leaking fuel as a result of loss of torque on connecting bolts due to engine vibration. The start fuel valve was located directly above the engine starter/generator. An extensive fire had occurred in the number one engine compartment, originating in the area of the starter/generator.

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 15 Jun 1992 Aerospatiale AS-355-F accident near Fort Bragg, NC?

An air ambulance helicopter en route to pick up a patient experienced an engine fire warning and smoke in the cabin, prompting an emergency landing at Simmons Army Airfield. Examination revealed blocked oil supply, bearing failure, and a fuel leak caused by vibration.

Were there any fatalities in the 15 Jun 1992 Aerospatiale AS-355-F accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 15 Jun 1992 involved an Aerospatiale AS-355-F, registration N365DU, operated by Omniflight Helicopters, at Fort Bragg, NC.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE TOTAL BLOCKAGE OF THE OIL SUPPLY LINE FOR THE REAR MAIN BEARING IN ENGINE MODULE THREE WHICH RESULTED IN THE FAILURE OF THE BEARING, AND THE SUBSEQUENT LEAK FROM THE ENGINE START DRAIN VALVE.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X14764. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.