Vanderbilt LifeFlight - Non-injury incident

Date: 07/14/2010 1830 CST

Program: Vanderbilt LifeFlight
	1211 Medical Center Drive
	Skyport, VUH
	Nashville, TN  37232

Type: EC-145
Tail #: N102VU
Operator/Vendor: Air Methods

Weather: Clear. Not a factor

Team: Pilot, two flight nurses. No injuries reported. No patient. 

Description: 
	Th number 1 engine failed to start on first attempt and the start was
	aborted.
	 
	During second start attempt, the pilot observed TOT stabilizing around
	300 degrees C and then decreasing.  The start was again aborted.
	 
	A medical crew member outside aircraft alerted the pilot to an engine
	fire and small fire on the ground.  Th pilot gave the on-board halon
	fire extinguisher to the crew member who used it on the ground fire
	and engine exhaust area.  No FIRE light illuminated and TOT remained
	below 300 degrees C.  Both fires were extinguished quickly. 
	Maintenance inspections determined no aircraft damage/discrepancies
	from the fires and/or use of the halon fire extinguisher.
	 
	Maintenance troubleshooting determined the start valve failed to
	function properly allowing fuel to spray out of the combustion chamber
	and into the exhaust area.  The alve was replaced and aircraft
	returned to service.

Source: Kevin Nooner, Chief Flight Nurse LF4

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