N145RE

On August 15, 1993, about 1945 central daylight time, a Rotec Engineering, Inc., Rotec Rally 3, N145RE, listed with the FAA in a "sale reported" status, crashed following an in-flight loss of control near Jay, Florida while on a 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed. The airplane was substantially damaged and the pilot was seriously injured. The flight originated from an airstrip near Jay, Florida, about 1930.

The pilot stated that the purpose of the flight was to locate a nearby airstrip, but after departure elected to return to the departure airstrip due to gusty wind conditions. The airplane was about 50-75 feet above ground level and during a turn to return, the airplane stalled. The airplane descended and impacted the ground. He further stated that there was no preimpact engine failure or malfunction and he was told the airplane was an ultralight. He also stated that he had in the past received formal flight instruction but did not receive any flight instruction in this airplane. He estimated that he had accumulated about 50 hours in all airplanes of which 6 hours were in this make and model airplane.

According to an FAA inspector who examined the airplane the following day, a faded registration number was visible on the vertical stabilizer.

Review of FAA records revealed that the pilot was issued a third class student pilot/medical certificate on January 23, 1985. Additionally, on June 16, 1983, a special airworthiness certificate was issued for N145RE under the experimental category for the purpose of exhibition.