Probable cause
An in-flight fire during hover for reasons that could not be determined due to the extent of fire damage that subsequently consumed the structure.
NTSB analysis
As the helicopter lifted into a hover, the manifold pressure gauge indicated a significant increase and the pilot smelled smoke. The pilot set the helicopter back onto the ramp and observed smoke rolling up the side of the fuselage. He egressed the helicopter rapidly and noticed fire around the engine compartment. The magnesium-constructed airframe was subsequently consumed by fire; the origin of the fire could not be determined.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR12LA292 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jun 24, 2012
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Brewster, Washington
- Nearest airport
- Anderson Field Airport (S97)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Sikorsky S-58B
- N-number
- N9043N
- Category
- Helicopter
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 137 (agricultural)
- Purpose of flight
- Other work use
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.