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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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July 30, 1997 · Albrecht SEA REY · N7475Q

Brighton, MI

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 30, 1997
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 fatality)
Location
Brighton, MI
Aircraft
Albrecht SEA REY
Tail Number
N7475Q
Injuries
Fatal
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
CHI97LA233

The airplane was observed to takeoff and reach approximately 150 agl when a power loss was heard. The airplane went into a left bank and then straight down. The airplane did about one and one half spins before impacting the terrain. Examination of the engine revealed both upper and lower spark plugs oil fouled. Closer examination revealed the exhaust valve stem seal had failed. Flight control continuity was established to all flight control surfaces with no anomalies noted.

NTSB Probable Cause

Loss of engine power due to a failed exhaust valve oil seal, and fouled spark plugs.

Full Narrative

On July 30, 1997, at 1707 eastern daylight time (edt), an Albrecht Sea Rey, N7475Q, owned and operated by a private pilot, was destroyed when it impacted the terrain during an attempted forced landing, following a loss of engine power. The airplane experienced the loss of engine power shortly after takeoff from runway 04 (2,660' x 24' dry/asphalt), at Brighton Field, Brighton, Michigan. The pilot was fatally injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The personal flight was being conducted under 14 CFR Part 91. No flight plan was on file. The local flight originated at Brighton, Michigan. Several witnesses said that they saw the airplane take off and climb to approximately 150 feet above ground level (agl). The witnesses then said they heard the airplane's engine "sputter." The airplane went into a left bank and then went straight down. One witness said the airplane "did about a spin and a half before hitting the ground." Another witness stated that the family was talking earlier in the week about some problems with the engine. A Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector examined the airplane wreckage at the accident site. The examination revealed both the lower and upper spark plugs on the number three cylinder were oil soaked. Examination of the exhaust valve stem seal on the number three cylinder showed that it had failed. Examination of the airplane's flight controls, engine, engine controls, and other systems showed no indications of pre-impact anomalies. The pilot had accumulated approximately 33 hours in this airplane. A post mortem examination of the pilot was conducted on July 30, 1997 at Howell, Michigan. No pre-existent anomalies were noted during this examination. The toxicological examination of post-accident specimens from the pilot detected 0.054 (ug/ml, ug/g) Diphenhydramine found in blood and urine. Additionally, 94.400 (ug/ml, ug/g) Acetaminophen was detected in the urine. The 1993 edition of the Physician's Desk Reference states that Diphenhydramine and Acetaminophen are found predominately in over-the-counter medications used to provide temporary relief from minor aches, pains, headaches, and fever.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time17:07 EDT
Nearest AirportBrighton Field (0nm)
Runway4
Runway Length2660 ft
Runway Width24 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftAlbrecht SEA REY
Tail NumberN7475Q
Aircraft CategoryUltr
DamageDestroyed
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsRotax · 912VL · Reciprocating · 80

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 fatality)
Fatal1
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 56 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind30° @ 3 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point50
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time20:55
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data