What happened
On 3 August 2013, an AS350B Ecureuil, registration G-JESI, was conducting a private flight from a location near Milton Keynes toward Manchester. Approximately 25 minutes into the flight, the pilot noticed an acrid, electrical burning smell within the cockpit. This was quickly followed by smoke emerging from the lower left side of the instrument panel.
While the pilot attempted to locate the source of the smoke, flames became visible behind the panel. The pilot identified a disused site near Nuneaton as the most suitable diversion point and began an approach. In an attempt to isolate the electrical system, the pilot switched the master switch to the OFF position; however, the fire had already spread significantly.
As smoke filled the cockpit, affecting visibility and breathing, the pilot opened the slide window and the cabin door to clear the air. After successfully landing the aircraft in a field near Fenny Drayton, the pilot evacuated the helicopter. The fire intensified shortly after landing, resulting in the complete destruction of the aircraft.
The investigation
Investigators from the AAIB examined the wreckage at Farnborough. The inspection revealed that both the cockpit and cabin components had been entirely consumed by fire. While the intense heat made it impossible to pinpoint the exact origin of the ignition, the damage was concentrated around the area of the instrument panel where the pilot had initially observed smoke and flames.
Findings
- The fire originated behind the left side of the instrument panel.
- Electrical system components or wiring were the most likely cause of the fire.
- The pilot successfully executed an emergency landing despite deteriorating cockpit conditions.