Probable cause
The pilot's improper fuel management, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion.
NTSB analysis
The pilot was flying at 700 feet over a field in order to judge whether it could be sprayed. The engine lost power and the pilot made a forced landing in the field. The airplane landed hard in wet grass, damaging the landing gear and vertical stabilizer. The pilot reported that he had lost track of time and ran out of fuel causing the loss of power. He additionally reported that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal flight.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR11CA296 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jun 14, 2011
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Glasgow, Montana
- Nearest airport
- Glasgow Internationall Airport (KGGW)
- Highest injury
- Minor
- Minor injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 188
- N-number
- N9802V
- 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.