Fire in flight — Robinson R22 Beta, training flight

Summary

During a dual training flight in a Robinson R22 Beta, an electrical fire developed in the cockpit behind the instrument panel. The instructor immediately initiated an emergency landing on the aircraft parking apron adjacent to the runway. Both instructor and student evacuated before smoke filled the cockpit. Minor burns sustained by the instructor's hands during the egress.

Investigation Findings (4)

1. 01A chafed wire in the alternator circuit was identified as the ignition source.
2. 02The chafing had developed over time and was not detected during routine inspections due to the location of the wire behind a structural bracket.
3. 03Robinson Helicopter Company issued a Service Instruction requiring inspection of the specific wire routing.
4. 04CASA mandated compliance with the Service Instruction within 50 hours time-in-service.