Probable cause
An on-ground fuel fire for reasons that could not be determined due to extensive thermal damage.
NTSB analysis
The helicopter caught fire shortly after the first start of the day; the pilot shut down the helicopter, exited, and called 911. The fire originated on the left side of the helicopter where the fuel shutoff valve is located, on the airframe side of the firewall. The helicopter sustained extensive thermal damage in the cargo area. The fuel shutoff valve and associated fuel lines were destroyed. Maintenance personnel stated that they thought one of the inlet fuel lines had come loose and sprayed fuel, which ignited and started the fire; however, no such evidence to support or disprove this theory survived the fire.
The last annual inspection was signed off about three and a half months before the accident. Maintenance personnel checked the fuel lines on the airframe side to the fuel shutoff valve with no issues noted in the maintenance log.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR24LA030 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Nov 4, 2023
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Firebaugh, California
- Nearest airport
- Firebaugh (F34)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
UH-1H
- N-number
- N3053Q
- Category
- Helicopter
- Year built
- 1966
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 137 (agricultural)
- Purpose of flight
- Aerial application
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.