# NTSB CHI01LA152: Allen Rotorway 162F, N242KA, Jerseyville, IL, June 3, 2001 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: June 3, 2001, 10:15 local (15:15 UTC) - Place: Jerseyville, IL - Coordinates: 39.109607, -90.320312 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=39.1096&lon=-90.3203&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: No injuries - Injuries: 1 uninjured - Status: Completed, report May 28, 2002 - Report: Approved by Office Director - Parties: Federal Aviation Administration - NTSB case key (mKey): 53255 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI01LA152 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/53255/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI01LA152 ## Probable cause the improper autorotation by the pilot. Contributing factors were the engine failure for undetermined reason(s) and the muddy terrain. ## Sequence of events In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf). - Loss of engine power, cruise - reason for occurrence undetermined (contributing factor) - In flight collision with terrain/water, emergency descent/landing - autorotation - improper, pilot in command (cause) - terrain condition - muddy (contributing factor) ## Analysis The experimental amateur-built helicopter impacted muddy terrain and rolled over when its skids became stuck in the mud during an emergency autorotation following a total loss of engine power. The pilot reported that after the number one electronic control unit (ECU) had failed followed by the number two ECU failing while returning to the departure point at an airspeed of 40 mph and at an altitude of 100 feet agl. An operation at 40 mph and at 100 feet agl was within the shaded region of the height velocity envelope for the helicopter. A postaccident engine run was performed while operating on the primary and secondary fully automated digital electronic control systems. Inspection of the number one electronic control unit revealed two resistors damaged within its circuit board. The number one ECU was found to be inoperative during testing and the number two ECU did not communicate with the number one ECU. ## Factual narrative On June 3, 2001, at 1015 central daylight time, an experimental amateur-built Allen Rotorway 162F, N242KA, sustained substantial damage on impact with terrain following a loss of engine power after takeoff from a farm field near Jerseyville, Illinois. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight was not operating on a flight plan. The private pilot reported no injuries. The local flight was originating at the time of the accident. In a written statement, the pilot reported "After preflight and startup I allowed the engine to warm up to green arc (mandatory to prevent over pressurization of cooling system). After warmup, all systems in the green I lifted to a hover did a 360 [degree] clearing turn and departed to the south. Approx. 200' AGL 65 mph I noticed the split tach had failed. Almost [immediately] I got a red light indicating No. 1 ECU had failed. I made a 180 [degree] turn back to the pad. At about 100' 40 mph No. 2 ECU failed cutting the engine. Autorotated, [flared] a little late striking tail rotor. Still having forward motion the skids stuck in the mud and the aircraft rolled on to its right side. Shut off all switches and fuel and departed the A/C." According to the Rotorway 162F pilot operating handbook, a red instrument light annunciation of the electronic control unit (ECU) 1 indicates that the primary ECU is off. Also, flight at 100 feet agl and 40 mph operation is within the shaded area of the height velocity envelope. Referring to the Rotorcraft Flying Handbook (FAA-H-8083-21), the height/velocity (H/V) diagram depicts the critical combination of airspeed and altitude should an engine failure occur. Operating within the shaded area of the H/V diagram may not allow enough time for the critical transition from powered flight to autorotation. Postaccident examination of the engine by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) revealed that the helicopter was fueled with 91-octane automotive fuel. Both electric fuel pumps were operated and fuel was available at the injector ports. The oil screen was checked and reported to be normal. The engine was run at idle and accelerated to 2,600 rpm. After a short period of time, the primary fully automated digital electronic control (FADEC) system was turned off and the secondary FADEC system took control of the engine and it ran normally, but slightly rougher. Both FADEC computer systems were then removed and shipped to Rotorway International, Chandler, Arizona, for inspection and testing. Inspection and testing of the ECU's, under the supervision of the FAA, revealed that the number one ECU was inoperative and the number two ECU was operational, but it would not communicate with number one ECU. Inspection of the number one ECU's circuit board revealed that the "L1" and "L3" resistors were damaged. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N242KA](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N242KA-2004-10-08), registration cancelled 2004-10-08, S/N 6307, built 1999 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: Allen Rotorway 162F - Registry model: [Allen Steven RI 162F](https://openairdocs.org/model/allen-steven-ri-162f) (registry code 05606SL) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Amateur-built UNKNOWN ENG](https://openairdocs.org/engine/amateur-built-unknown-eng) (registry code 99999) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Helicopter, amateur-built - Serial number: 6307 - Airframe hours: 135.4 - Engines: Rotorway 162F 150 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Registered owner: Steven Allen - Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special) - Last inspection: Annual, April 29, 2001, 1.3 hours before - Departed: PVT, Jerseyville, IL ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 46; injuries: none; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2; last flight review March 23, 2000; seat: left; flight hours: 472 total, 153 in this make and model, 392 as pilot in command, 5 in the last 90 days, 2 in the last 30 days, 0 in the last 24 hours ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: variable at 3 knots - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 61 °F, dew point 54 °F - Altimeter: 29.88 inHg - Observed at: SET, 20 nm away ## FAA reports on this event (1) The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs). - [Accident 20010603013659A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20010603013659A), Jun 3, 2001: Amtr ROTORWAY162F, Jerseyville, IL, Substantial damage. (.19)On June 3, 2001, at 1015 central daylight time, an experimental helicopter, RI 162F, N242KA, sustained substantial damage on impact with terrain following… From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model. --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.