Python 2.4.4 - 64 Bit
This code reproduceably fails with
IndexError: pop from empty list


def start(x):
	x.start()
	
if __name__ == "__main__":
	import hotshot
	prof = hotshot.Profile("test3_stats")
	start(prof)
	#prof.start()	
	prof.stop()
	prof.close()
	from hotshot import stats
	s = stats.load("test3_stats")

Note1: This issue may be identical with Issue1019882 (another situation
but same Error.)
Note2: Workaround exists: Replace the line "start(prof)" with
"prof.start()".
In this case, the resulting stats (binary) file is 1 Byte shorter, and
no error happens.