Probable cause
The loss of engine power due to fuel starvation and the pilot's inadequate fuel management.
NTSB analysis
The airplane experienced a total loss of engine power during an aerial application operation. The pilot then performed a forced landing on an adjacent field. Postaccident examination revealed no evidence of mechanical malfunction or failure that would have precluded normal operation. However, examination revealed that the right fuel tank was empty, and the left fuel tank was almost half full, consistent with the pilot’s mismanagement of his fuel supply during the operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN11LA513 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 23, 2011
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Mount Hamill, Iowa
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna A188B
- N-number
- N9234R
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 137 (agricultural)
- Purpose of flight
- Aerial application
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.