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| Date: | Monday 17 September 2012 |
| Time: | 21:15 |
| Type: |  Robinson R44 |
| Owner/operator: | Valley B Aviation |
| Registration: | C-GHIY |
| MSN: | |
| Year of manufacture: | 1999 |
| Engine model: | Lycoming O-540-F1B5 |
| Fatalities: | Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: |
| Other fatalities: | 0 |
| Aircraft damage: | Destroyed |
| Category: | Accident |
| Location: | Gas Plant Site 10-11 -
 Canada
|
| Phase: | Standing |
| Nature: | Unknown |
| Departure airport: | |
| Investigating agency: | TSB |
| Confidence Rating: |  Information verified through data from accident investigation authorities |
The Valley B Aviation Robinson R44 helicopter, registration C-GHIY, had landed in dry grass at a remote gas plant site. Near the end of the 2 minute cool down, as the pilot was about to disengage the drive engagement clutch prior to engine shutdown, the engine (Avco Lycoming O-540-F1B5) stopped. The pilot opened the door and observed a grass fire at the rear of the helicopter, below the engine. The pilot attempted to extinguish the fire using the cabin fire extinguisher and water bottles; however the fire spread to the engine compartment. Within three minutes the helicopter was completely consumed in flames. The helicopter was destroyed; the pilot was not injured. The ground in the vicinity of the landing site was covered with tall dry grass; the grass had been cut down in an area approximately 12 feet in diameter, using a hand held weed wacker, to provide a suitable touchdown spot. The helicopter was fitted with the D318-1 shield installation in accordance with Robinson R44 Service Bulletin SB-46. This installation provides shields below the exhaust collectors and tailpipe to reduce the chance of grass fire. Section 10 of the R44 Pilot's Operating Handbook contains a safety tip that advises against landing in tall dry grass, as the exhaust is low to the ground and very hot, and a grass fire may be ignited.
Sources:
CADORS 2012C4261
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