NTSB Factual Report

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.

NTSB Probable Cause

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