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Pilot Reports Fuel Exhaustion and Fatigue in Agricultural Aircraft Accident (N4962Q)

Crookston, MN, US

On May 18, 1998, a Cessna A188B (registration N4962Q) was involved in an aviation accident near Crookston, MN. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot reported that the airplane ran out of gas and that fatigue was a major factor in the accident. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

An agricultural pilot reported that his airplane stalled and struck the ground after the engine quit due to fuel exhaustion, and he stated fatigue was a major factor.

Accident Narrative

The pilot reported that he began aerial spraying operations between 0530 and 0600 CDT on the morning of the accident and continued spraying until the time of the accident. He departed the airport with another load of chemical but had not refueled. While heading to a field at an altitude of 100 to 150 feet above ground level, the engine quit. The pilot immediately looked for a place to land and resorted to a muddy field. During maneuvering, the airplane stalled. While attempting to recover, the airplane struck the ground.

Pilot Statement

In a phone interview, the pilot stated, "I'm sure it ran out of gas." He also reported that the airplane had been running well all day and had given no indications of anything going wrong. Additionally, the pilot stated, "Fatigue was a major factor in all circumstances leading to the accident."

Probable cause

The pilot reported that the airplane ran out of gas and that fatigue was a major factor in the accident.
Fuel exhaustion & starvation

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 18 May 1998 Cessna A188B accident near Crookston, MN?

An agricultural pilot reported that his airplane stalled and struck the ground after the engine quit due to fuel exhaustion, and he stated fatigue was a major factor.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 18 May 1998 involved a Cessna A188B, registration N4962Q, at Crookston, MN.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot reported that the airplane ran out of gas and that fatigue was a major factor in the accident.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X10020. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.