Probable cause
A total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation as a result of a clogged fuel filter.
NTSB analysis
According to the pilot, during cruise flight in his experimental, amateur-built airplane, the engine suddenly lost all power and the propeller stopped rotating. The pilot attempted to restart the engine by diving the airplane, but he was not successful. The pilot made a forced landing in a clearing near a drag strip. The airplane touched down hard and, during roll out, collided with two chain link fences, breaking the biplane's left wings. During the subsequent examination of the airplane, the pilot reported observing a clogged main line fuel filter.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR09CA090 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jan 18, 2009
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Hilo, Hawaii
- Nearest airport
- Hilo International (ITO)
- Highest injury
- Minor
- Minor injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Amateur-built FP-404
- N-number
- N81633
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.