What happened
At approximately 0500, the pilot departed from the airport of origin in a Cessna T188C Ag Husky. The aircraft was carrying 52 gallons of usable fuel. The flight proceeded to an agricultural spray site located 56 nautical miles away, where insecticide was dispensed. Following this operation, the aircraft flew 29 nautical miles to a second dispensing site. The pilot then proceeded 16 nautical miles toward the next intended refueling point.
At approximately 0720, while on short final approach to runway 23, the engine lost power. This resulted in a hard forced landing short of the runway.
The investigation
Following the accident, FAA inspectors conducted a post-crash examination of the aircraft. The inspection revealed that only 7-8 ounces of fuel remained on board the aircraft at the time of the crash.