Pilot Debrief

MULEC FRANK A FP-404 near Hilo, HI — 2009-01-18

Final reportWPR09CA090
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Date
2009-01-18
Location
Hilo, HI, USA
Airport
ITO
Aircraft
MULEC FRANK A FP-404
Registration
N81633
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

A total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation as a result of a clogged fuel filter.

NTSB narrative

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.

NTSB coding

View NTSB final report

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