NTSB Factual Report

On October 29, 2002, about 1143 Pacific standard time, an experimental Hubbard Stoddard Hamilton Glasair II-S, N98TR, experienced a total loss of engine power during initial climb from runway 26R at the Chino Airport, Chino, California. During the forced landing, the airplane impacted an automobile before coming to rest in an open field on the grounds of the California Institution for Men, a state prison in Chino. The airplane was substantially damaged. The private pilot and passenger received minor injuries. No one on the ground was injured. The local area flight was performed by the airplane's owner/builder as a sales demonstration for the prospective purchaser, who was the passenger in the airplane. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan had been filed. The flight was performed under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91, and it was originating at the time of the mishap.

The pilot reported to the National Transportation Safety Board investigator that nothing unusual was observed during the engine start; taxi for takeoff, and engine run up. The wing tanks contained about 30 gallons of fuel, and the fuel selector was on the "Both" tanks position. When the pilot first attempted to depart, the engine did not respond normally, so he aborted the attempt. Thereafter, the pilot attempted to depart again. On this occasion, all engine power was lost between 150 and 200 feet above ground level. The airplane came to rest approximately 100 yards beyond the departure end of the runway. In the pilot's completed "Aircraft Accident Report," he indicated that the loss of engine power was likely related to a lack of, or intermittent, fuel supply to the engine.

NTSB Probable Cause

Fuel starvation for undetermined reasons.