Incident Summary
On April 6, 2016, at approximately 1330 Universal Coordinated Time, the crew of a Robinson R22 BETA helicopter, Swiss registration HB-ZGO, executed a precautionary landing at Bern Airport (LSZB) in Bern, Switzerland. The decision to land was prompted by the crew smelling smoke in the cockpit. They identified that the alternator had failed and subsequently shut down the electrical system. Upon landing, the alternator fire was extinguished. Both pilots on board were not injured, and the helicopter sustained minor damage.
Aircraft and Operator
The helicopter, a Robinson R22 BETA, was registered to and operated by Mountain Flyers 80 Ltd. The local flight originated from Bern Airport at an undetermined time. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the incident.
Investigation
The incident is under investigation by the Swiss Transportation Safety Board (STSB), which has jurisdiction over such occurrences in Switzerland. The board will review the circumstances surrounding the alternator failure and subsequent fire. No probable cause has been stated at this time.