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Helicopter Destroyed by Grass Fire During Controlled Burn Operation (N911VC)

Agoura Hills, CA, US

On June 30, 1993, a Bell 206L-3 (registration N911VC) was involved in an aviation accident near Agoura Hills, CA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The improper configuration of the aerial ignition device by the crew chief and an inadvertent activation of the unit by the pilot. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

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

A public-use helicopter dispensing ignition balls for a controlled burn caught fire after the crew chief configured the dispensing unit without informing the pilot. The aircraft was destroyed and the pilot received minor burns.

Incident Overview

A public-use helicopter was involved in a controlled burn operation, dispensing small plastic balls from an aerial ignition device to assist fire units in burning approximately 500 acres of grassland. The plastic balls contained potassium permanganate, which produced flame about 30 seconds after being injected with ethylene glycol.

Improper Electrical Installation

The electrical power to the ignition unit was improperly installed so that it was controlled by the pilot, rather than by the crew chief. This configuration deviated from the intended design.

Sequence of Events

While the helicopter was sitting on a hilltop with rotors turning at flight idle, the crew chief configured the unit for the next flight. The crew chief did not inform the pilot that any activation of the power switch would begin dispensing the balls. Subsequently, a fire started under the helicopter and spread into the aircraft.

Outcome

The pilot received minor burns, and the aircraft was destroyed by the grass fire. The aviation unit does not have a formal training syllabus for the operation of the aerial ignition device.

In-flight fire & smoke

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 30 Jun 1993 Bell 206L-3 accident near Agoura Hills, CA?

A public-use helicopter dispensing ignition balls for a controlled burn caught fire after the crew chief configured the dispensing unit without informing the pilot. The aircraft was destroyed and the pilot received minor burns.

Were there any fatalities in the 30 Jun 1993 Bell 206L-3 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 30 Jun 1993 involved a Bell 206L-3, registration N911VC, at Agoura Hills, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The improper configuration of the aerial ignition device by the crew chief and an inadvertent activation of the unit by the pilot. The improper installation and configuration of the unit by maintenance personnel, inadequate crew coordination, and insufficient aviation unit operational standards were factors in this…

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X12639. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.