The first pre-flight of the day was carried out, passengers were briefed and boarded. Engine start-up was requested and granted. Both engines were started.
At about 0715hrs, 5N-BOA, S-92 Helicopter with eight passengers onboard was about to request for taxi clearance, when the crew perceived a burning smell in the cockpit. A ground personnel on the ramp was also seen waving his hands in an urgent manner, indicative of a problem. The co-pilot saw a bit of smoke from his top left window, even though there was no indication of engine or any other fire in the cockpit, the crew agreed that there was fire. The crew carried out an emergency engine shutdown and waited for the rotor to come to a stop before evacuating the passengers. The standby fire extinguisher was used to put off the fire by ground personnel, the fire only lasted few seconds.
Neither the smoke nor the fire got into the cabin or cockpit. Both crew members deplaned without any injuries to them or to the passengers. The helicopter was later moved into the hanger to assess the extent of the fire damage.
