What happened
On August 2, 2007, an Enstrom F-28 C helicopter, registration G-WSEC, was conducting a private flight near Newtownmountkennedy, Co. Wicklow. After performing circuits at Newcastle Airfield, the pilot attempted to cross rising terrain toward Kilmacanogue. During the flight, the engine began running roughly and oil temperatures rose. Shortly thereafter, loud noises erupted from the engine compartment, followed by a total loss of engine power and dense white smoke flooding the cockpit.
With visibility severely impaired by smoke, the pilot performed an emergency autorotation. Seeking an open area, the pilot targeted an up-sloping field. During the approach, the aircraft struck ESB power lines before touching down on the slope. The helicopter bounced and eventually overturned on its left side. The pilot and passenger managed to evacuate the cabin within seconds before the aircraft was consumed by fire, which destroyed the engine, gearbox, and cabin, leaving only the rear tail boom recognizable.
The investigation
The AAIU examined the wreckage and discovered evidence of a significant fire in the engine compartment. Technical analysis of the engine bay revealed that aluminum components had melted and pooled, indicating intense heat reached the melting point of aluminum while the aircraft was still in a vertical flight position.
Investigators located a damaged fuel hose that connected the fuel control unit to the fuel distributor. This hose had developed a hole due to long-term wear. Furthermore, the investigation revealed that the aircraft's maintenance records were significantly outdated, with no recorded entries for the airframe since 2005 and no engine maintenance entries since 2003. Additionally, the pilot was unable to provide evidence of a valid flight license or medical certificate during the inquiry.