Casualties unknown

Commercial Pilot Forced Landing Due to Fuel Exhaustion (N2087J)

Devils Lake, ND, US

On July 9, 1990, a Cessna T-188 (registration N2087J) operated by William F. Wakefield was involved in an aviation accident near Devils Lake, ND. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to ensure adequate fuel supply for the flight, which resulted in fuel exhaustion and an ensuing forced landing. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

A commercial pilot conducting aerial application work experienced engine failure due to fuel exhaustion, resulting in a forced landing that damaged the aircraft's fuselage and landing gear.

What happened

The commercial pilot was operating an aircraft for the purpose of cleaning spray equipment. During a low-level cruise phase of the flight, the engine ceased operation. In a subsequent telephone conversation, the pilot acknowledged that he had depleted his fuel supply. He identified a nearby field and executed a forced landing.

During the landing roll, the right spray boom contacted the terrain. This impact caused the aircraft to twist, resulting in damage to the fuselage, tail section, and main landing gear.

The investigation

Examination of the aircraft revealed that the fuel tanks were completely empty at the time of the incident.

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to ensure adequate fuel supply for the flight, which resulted in fuel exhaustion and an ensuing forced landing.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X23679. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.