Rockwell International S-2R accident near Gause, Texas, May 20, 2026
On May 20, 2026 at about 4:30 pm local time, a 1975 Rockwell International S-2R, registered N4990X, was substantially damaged in an accident during maneuvering (low-alt flying) near Gause, Texas. It was an aerial application (crop spraying) flight under agricultural flying rules (Part 137). No one was hurt; 1 person was on board or involved. The weather was visual conditions (good weather).
The NTSB's probable cause their words, unchanged
The loss of engine power due to fuel starvation. Contributing to the accident was the separated wing fuel tank screen and sealant debris in the fuel tank.
Source: NTSB aviation accident database, copy made October 5, 2026. Docket and reports at the NTSB.
What the record shows
- Date
- May 20, 2026 · about 4:30 pm local time
- Place
- Gause, Texas · map
- Type
- Accident
- Injuries
- No one was hurt; 1 person was on board or involved.
- Weather
- visual conditions (good weather)
- Aircraft
- Rockwell International S-2R, built 1975 · all S-2Rs on the register
- Registration
- N4990X · registry record · serial 5035R
- Damage
- Substantial damage
- Flight
- Aerial application (crop spraying) flight · agricultural flying rules (Part 137)
The NTSB's narrative final · quoted from the NTSB record
While returning to the departure airfield after completing an aerial application, the engine lost power and the pilot conducted a forced landing to a field due to insufficient altitude to attempt an engine restart. During the forced landing, the airplane struck trees resulting in substantial damage to the right wing and fuselage. Postaccident examination of the airplane by company personnel revealed that the right-wing fuel screen was not attached and fuel tank sealant debris obstructed the fuel tank outlet port. The pilot reported that the accident could have been prevented by ensuring that all fuel screens are in place each season and removing any loose fuel tank sealant.
The complete narrative as the NTSB published it. The NTSB's docket holds the report as a PDF and any photographs, statements and other documents from the investigation.
The factual record from the NTSB's investigation tables, in plain English
What happened, in order
- Fuel starvation during maneuvering (low-alt flying) defining event
- Loss of engine power (total) during maneuvering (low-alt flying)
- Collision with terrain or object (not controlled flight into terrain) during landing (landing roll)
The NTSB's findings
- Aircraft › Aircraft systems › Fuel system › (general) › Damaged/degraded
- Aircraft › Aircraft systems › Fuel system › Fuel filter › strainer › Malfunction
Pilot
- Certificate: commercial pilot
- Ratings: single-engine land
- Flight time: 24,106 hours in all; 8,242 in this make and model; 45 in the last 90 days; 45 in the last 30 days
- Last flight review: May 28, 2026
- Medical certificate: Class 2 (without waivers/limitations)
- Seat: ctr
- Injury: no injuries
The aircraft
- Airframe total time: 9,844 hours
- Last inspection: annual inspection, February 1, 2026
- Maximum gross weight: 6,950 lb
- Seats: 1
- Landing gear: fixed
- Engine: Pratt And Whitney PT6A-34 (turboprop); 14,007 hours total
The flight
- Departed from: PVT Bryan TX at 3:23 pm
- Flight plan: none
Weather at the time
- Light: daylight
- Wind: from 070° at 4 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Sky: clear
- Temperature: 75°F (24°C), dew point 68°F (20°C)
- Altimeter: 30.04 inHg
- Observation at 11:35 am from KLHB, 10 miles away
Weather report (METAR): KLHB 201635Z AUTO 07004KT 10SM CLR 24/20 A3004 RMK AO2,M
Injuries
| Fatal | Serious | Minor | None | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flight crew | 1 |
Photographs from the investigation 2 pictures from the NTSB's docket, as the NTSB released them
The NTSB's photographs with the NTSB's captions, at screen size. Open a picture to see it full size or to report one that should not be shown.
Documents from the investigation the NTSB's docket: the evidence folder behind the report
3 documents, released by the NTSB on September 17, 2026. View them here, or download them; the NTSB redacts some personal details before release, and this site shows the NTSB's own titles rather than its file names.
| # | Document | What it is | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pilot/operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1 | PDF, 10 pages | View Download |
| 2 | Investigation Photographs | PDF, 3 pages · our copy | View Download |
| 3 | Pilot's Statement | PDF, 2 pages | View Download |
The same docket at the NTSB · documents without a copy here are fetched from the NTSB when you open them.
Everything on this page comes from the NTSB's public records. The narrative, probable cause and findings are the NTSB's own words; the coded tables behind the report are written out in plain English, with pilots' ages, home towns and medical details left out. The documents and photographs are the NTSB's docket, shown as the NTSB released them. This site's own text never names anyone involved. A preliminary report can change; the final report usually follows one to two years later, and the page is refreshed when it does.