Chopper goes up in flames on the Sunshine Coast
 

A freak accident yesterday destroyed a $200000 chopper. The incident occurred in the confined training area after the chopper landed. Because the grass was so dry, the heat from the exhaust ignited the grass, which then ignited the chopper.

Not really a "freak" accident then? <img src="smile.gif" border="0">

More like a forseeable event which could have been avoided with better training? :) . .Assuming the above is correct. <img src="rolleyes.gif" border="0">

Another of "Honest Johns" machines? First PPG and now this!

An army Kiowa driver did something similar about 15 years back. The only difference was that he landed for lunch and lit a fire to boil the billy. Unfortunately for him the fire got out of control and engulfed the poor old Kiowa. I suppose he did have his cuppa, if only to calm his nerves and figure out how he was going to explain this to the CO.

Long time ago, but IIRC same Kiowa BBQer was posted to Army HQ to the accident investigation team: probably the most experienced applicant to be found. :)

[ 23 February 2002: Message edited by: t303 ]</p>

Same can happen to your family car, re the extra hot catalytic converter boxes on the underside of your unleaded system, so watch-it!. .Cheers!

Hi all,

This is a basic, basic, basic.......Cogk up! Seriously drumed into me as a student and something i drum into my students.

Long, dry grass burns really well when exposed to heat. During confined or off feild landings the chances of exhaust heat causing a fire are extremly high.

Land on the barest or shortest grass, on the ground long enough to prove landing all controlled, pick up to hover (if poss move, check no smouldering, burning grass) go.

What rego and where?

cheers & fly safe . .Hone

Robbies are notorious for this. The first thing you have your pax do is jump out (if the are half capable... <img src="frown.gif" border="0"> ) and clear under the engine. It needs a shroud or something....

Which company are we talking about here?

[email protected]

Becker's. .Completely burnt out apparently.

It used to be standard practise when landing in long grass or, worse still spinifex, in a machine like the Bell 47, for the passenger or pilot to hop out and slash the grass under the turbo charger with a machette. Very simple fix&gt; :)