N9043N

On June 24, 2012, about 1100 Pacific daylight time, a Sikorsky S-58B, N9043N, experienced an in-flight fire after the helicopter lifted into a hover at Anderson Field, Brewster, Washington. The helicopter was substantially damaged and consumed by fire. The helicopter was registered to, and operated by, Versatile Investments LTD under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 137. The commercial pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured. The local agricultural flight was departing from Brewster. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan had been filed.

The purpose of the flight was for the pilot to maneuver low-level over a cherry orchard to help dry the crop. 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 consumed by fire. The extent of the damage of the wreckage precluded a post accident examination to determine the origin of the fire.