FS 2004 and Saitek "Cyborg 3D Gold" stick

Got FS 2004 a couple of weeks ago and loaded it per directions. Then I
got the updated drivers from Saitek for my Cyborg 3D Gold joystick.
Calibrated stick and booted up FS 2004. About 15-20 minutes into a
flight, doesn't matter which one, the game craps out. Get an error
message and the whole 9 yards.

After the third time of this happening, I've come to the conclusion
it's the joystick drivers. Any suggestions other than deleting the
Saitek drivers?

TIA,

Jim