Press Release Source:
Rhoann Ponseti
Director of Marketing
REACH
A helicopter operated by REACH Air Medical Services was incorrectly reported as having caught fire on the helipad of Shasta Regional Medical Center in Redding.
During the engine start up procedure, the number two engine failed to initially start. In accordance with the aircraft's standard operating procedure, the pilot followed the sequence for restarting the number two engine. During the restart, fuel, which had accumulated in the aircraft's engine start up chamber during the initial start up attempt, was ignited and burned off thus emitting a momentary flame from the engine's exhaust system. The aircraft did not experience an engine fire and there was no damage to the aircraft or any part of the hospital.
In reviewing the events of the incident, it appears the hospital's helipad fire suppression system identified the momentary flame as a potential fire, and therefore activated the automatic fire suppression system accordingly. Upon activation of the fire suppression system the pilot immediately shutdown and secured the aircraft.
Following the incident, aircraft mechanics inspected the aircraft. After finding no internal or external damage, the aircraft was restarted and flown to the Redding airport for further maintenance inspection
http://www.flightweb.com/article.php?story=20090204170829968