2023 Searey LSA Accident Near Detroit, Michigan (N316SR)

Accident Overview and Flight Details On May 31, 2023, at approximately 2030 eastern daylight time, a Progressive Aerodyne Inc Searey LSA, registration N316SR, was substantially damaged in an accident near Detroit, Michigan. The aircraft was operating as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The pilot and a certificated flight instructor aboard were not injured. The aircraft was inbound for a landing at Coleman A Young Municipal Airport (DET) when the pilot was instructed to report a 2-mile left base for runway 15. After the tower controller requested a progress report and received no response, the pilot later contacted the tower to report an engine power loss and a forced landing in a residential neighborhood between two garages. During the forced landing, the aircraft struck trees, causing substantial damage to the left wing. The pilot/owner reported that the aircraft had not flown since October 2020. A mechanic who had constructed the aircraft completed a condition inspection on May 26, 2023. The accident flight was described as an “instruction/currency” flight with a flight instructor. According to the pilot, the flight originated at approximately 1800. During the return portion of the flight, about 7 miles from the airport, the crew contacted DET air traffic control and was advised to expect a visual approach for runway 15. Shortly afterward, the engine stopped producing power. Restart attempts, including activating the auxiliary fuel pump, were unsuccessful. The pilot noted that the fuel gauge indicated ¼ full during the restart attempts. The flight instructor assumed control of the aircraft while the pilot attempted to restart the engine. Automatic dependent surveillance–broadcast (ADS-B) data recorded the aircraft departing DET at 1730 and the final position at 2030, indicating the aircraft was aloft for 3 hours.