# NTSB CHI02LA263: Robinson R22 Beta, N102MH, Seneca, IL, August 24, 2002 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: August 24, 2002, 13:30 local (18:30 UTC) - Place: Seneca, IL - Coordinates: 41.300296, -88.61061 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=41.3003&lon=-88.6106&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: No injuries - Injuries: 1 uninjured - Status: Completed, report June 25, 2003 - Report: Approved by Office Director - Parties: FAA-West Chicago, Illinois-FSDO - NTSB case key (mKey): 55822 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI02LA263 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/55822/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI02LA263 ## Probable cause The loss of engine power for undetermined reasons. Factors were the low altitude, the trees, and the unsuitable terrain encountered for the forced landing. ## Sequence of events In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf). - Loss of engine power, approach - vfr pattern - downwind - reason for occurrence undetermined (cause) - carburetor heat control,cable/push-pull rod - fractured - Forced landing, emergency descent/landing - In flight collision with object, emergency descent/landing - altitude - low (contributing factor) - unsuitable terrain or takeoff/landing/taxi area - encountered (contributing factor) - object - tree(s) (contributing factor) ## Analysis The helicopter was damaged when it collided with trees and terrain during landing approach after a loss of engine power. The pilot stated that he was preparing to turn from the downwind leg of the landing approach to the base leg. He stated that he applied carburetor heat and the engine stopped producing power. The pilot autorotated and landed in trees that were below the helicopter when the engine failed. A postaccident examination of the helicopter revealed that the inner wire of the carburetor heat control cable was fractured. The carburetor heat slide valve was found in an intermediate position. No other preexisting anomalies were found. ## Factual narrative On August 24, 2002, at 1330 central daylight time, a Robinson R22 Beta helicopter, N102MH, sustained substantial damage when it collided with trees and terrain during landing approach after a loss of engine power. The landing was being made to a private heliport near Seneca, Illinois. The 14 CFR Part 91 business flight was operating in visual meteorological conditions without a flight plan. The pilot, who was the sole occupant, was not injured. The flight originated from the helicopter owner's private heliport, and was landing at the Boondocks Campground, Seneca, Illinois. The flight originated about 30 minutes prior to the accident. The pilot stated that he was preparing to turn from the downwind leg of the landing approach to the base leg. He stated that he applied carburetor heat and the engine stopped producing power. The pilot autorotated and landed in trees that were below the helicopter when the engine failed. A postaccident examination of the helicopter revealed that the inner wire of the carburetor heat control cable was fractured. The carburetor heat slide valve was found in an intermediate position. No other preexisting anomalies were found. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N102MH](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N102MH-2003-01-29), registration cancelled 2003-01-29, S/N 0519 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: Robinson R22 Beta - Registry model: [Robinson Helicopter R22 BETA](https://openairdocs.org/model/robinson-helicopter-r22-beta) (registry code 7640110) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Helicopter - Serial number: 0519 - Airframe hours: 2409.8 - Engines: Lycoming O-320 160 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Business, Part 91 - Registered owner: Seneca Helicopters, Inc. - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Last inspection: Annual, November 30, 2001, 60.2 hours before - Departed: 1IL7, Seneca, IL - Destination: Seneca, IL ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 61; injuries: none; commercial; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; last flight review January 11, 2002; seat: right ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 360° at 3 knots - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: 5,500 ft broken - Temperature: 79 °F, dew point 64 °F - Altimeter: 29.98 inHg - Observed at: ARR, 30 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 20020824028829A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20020824028829A), Aug 24, 2002: Robsin R22BETA, Seneca, IL, Substantial damage. (.19) On August 24, 2002, at 1330 central daylight time, a Robinson R22 beta helicopter, N102MH, sustained substantial damage when it collided with trees and… 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.