SYNOPSIS
After practising some circuits and groundwork at Newcastle Airfield, the Pilot flew westwards with the intention of crossing the high ground just south of Kilpeddar Army Range and routing via Calary Upper towards Kilmacanogue, Co. Wicklow. However, before that high ground was reached, the cockpit filled quickly with smoke; there were loud noises from the engine compartment and a total loss of engine power occurred. The Pilot turned south to find any open field in which to carry out an emergency autorotation. As there were few, if any, suitable flat fields available, the Pilot carried out a landing on an up sloping field, where the helicopter bounced on landing, before finally falling over on its left-hand side.
As the Pilot and passenger swiftly exited safely by the right side door, the forward section of the helicopter was engulfed by fire. Neither Pilot nor passenger reported any injuries during their hurried evacuation. Subsequently, the Investigation found that a major in-flight fire had occurred in the engine compartment, initiated by a fretted and leaking fuel hose.
