Probable cause
The exhaust band clamp failure, which resulted in an engine fire due to hot exhaust gases entering the engine compartment.
NTSB analysis
The flight instructor and student conducted a preflight inspection of the helicopter in preparation for the student's first flight. The flight instructor reported that, after engine start and before takeoff, he saw the lights on the panel flicker and smelled smoke. About the same time, he noticed ground personnel running toward the helicopter. He and the student exited the helicopter, and ground personnel extinguished an engine fire.
Examination of the engine's exhaust band clamp assembly revealed that the clamp's two U-shaped retainer portions had fractured at spot weld locations. The incident is consistent with the failure of the exhaust band clamp, which allowed hot exhaust gases to enter the engine compartment and a fire to ensue.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN16IA238 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jun 27, 2016
- Type
- Incident
- Place
- Zeeland, Michigan
- Nearest airport
- Ottawa Executive (Z98)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Enstrom 280
- N-number
- N518EG
- Category
- Helicopter
- Year built
- 2003
- Damage
- Minor
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Instructional
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.