Incident Details
A helicopter departed from an oil platform in the Gulf of Mexico. Prior to departure, two passengers loaded the helicopter's baggage compartment with two small duffel bags and a backpack. Approximately 35 minutes later, after the helicopter arrived at its base, the passengers went to the rear of the helicopter and noticed smoke coming from the baggage compartment. A fire in the compartment was quickly extinguished.
Passenger Accounts
Both passengers reported that they had smelled something burning before leaving the oil platform. They were told that the coastal marsh is burnt every year and the smell is noticed from the platforms.
Investigation
The passengers' baggage contained two handheld radios, which were sent to the National Transportation Safety Board's Material Fire Laboratory in Washington, D.C., for examination. Examination of the radios failed to identify any anomalies, and a source for the fire could not be determined.