# NTSB SEA03LA052: Robinson R-22B, N2629Z, Mabton, WA, March 30, 2003 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: March 29, 2003, 17:30 local (Mar 30, 2003, 01:30 UTC) - Place: Mabton, WA - Coordinates: 46.049167, -119.924446 - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=46.0492&lon=-119.9244&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: No injuries - Injuries: 2 uninjured - Status: Completed, report April 28, 2004 - Report: Approved by Office Director - Parties: Spokane FSDO - NTSB case key (mKey): 56736 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA03LA052 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/56736/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA03LA052 ## Probable cause A partial loss of power, for undetermined reasons, during a shallow approach, that ultimately lead to a situation where the pilot found it necessary to attempt a forced landing while the helicopter was moving slightly sideways. Factors include rough/uneven terrain. ## Sequence of events In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf). - Loss of engine power, approach - vfr pattern - final approach - reason for occurrence undetermined (cause) - In flight collision with object, emergency landing - terrain condition - rough/uneven (contributing factor) - terrain condition - open field - Roll over, emergency landing ## Analysis While en route, the pilot made the decision to make an off-airport landing in an open field. While he was making a shallow approach, the helicopter experienced a momentary loss of power and the pilot heard a burble noise coming from the engine. This was accompanied by a low rotor rpm warning and the settling of the aircraft toward the terrain. The pilot then tried to roll the power on further, but the rpm did not fully recover. He was able to hover-taxi about five feet above the terrain for about 50 yards, but when the helicopter began to yaw, he made the decision to attempt to land. During that attempt, with the helicopter moving slightly sideways, the left skid got stuck on a large clump of dirt, and the aircraft rolled over onto its side. During the investigation it was determined that there was approximately 25 gallons of fuel on board at the time of the accident. An inspection of the engine and airframe did not reveal any anomalies that would have contributed to a loss of power. ## Factual narrative On March 29, 2003, approximately 1730 Pacific standard time, a Robinson R-22B, N2629Z, impacted the ground during an emergency landing about 10 miles southeast of Mabton, Washington. The commercial pilot and his passenger were not injured, but the aircraft, which is owned and operated by Danielson Aviation, LLC., sustained substantial damage. The 14 CFR Part 91 personal pleasure flight, which departed Pasco, Washington, about 15 minutes earlier, and was en route to The Dalles, Oregon, was being operated in visual meteorological conditions. No flight plan had been filed. According to the pilot, while en route he made the decision to make an off-airport landing in an open field. Reportedly, while he was making a shallow approach, the helicopter experienced a momentary loss of power and the pilot heard a burble noise from the engine. This was accompanied by a low rotor rpm warning and the settling of the aircraft toward the terrain. The pilot then tried to roll the power on further, but the rpm did not fully recover. He was able to hover-taxi about five feet above the terrain for about 50 yards, but when the helicopter began to yaw, he made the decision to attempt to land. During that attempt, with the helicopter moving slightly sideways, the left skid got stuck on a large clump of dirt, and the aircraft rolled over onto its side. During the investigation it was determined that there was approximately 25 gallons of fuel on board at the time of the accident. An inspection of the engine and airframe did not reveal any anomalies that would have contributed to a loss of power. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N2629Z](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N2629Z-2013-09-27), registration cancelled 2013-09-27, S/N 0775, built 1988 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: Robinson R-22B - 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: 0775 - Engines: Lycoming O-320-B2C 131 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Registered owner: Danielson Aviation LLC - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Departed: PSC, Pasco, WA - Destination: DLS, The Dalles, OR ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 31; injuries: none; commercial; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; last flight review March 14, 2002; seat: left; flight hours: 2,300 total, 160 in this make and model, 2,150 as pilot in command, 180 in the last 90 days, 45 in the last 30 days ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 90° at 5 knots - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 64 °F ## 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 20030329004709A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20030329004709A), Mar 29, 2003: Robsin R22BETA, Mabton, WA, Substantial damage. (-23) The on-scene investigation revealed no fuel in both tanks. Both tanks had been topped off with 19 us gallons before the flight at bergstrom aircraft in… 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.