Probable cause
The pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain for landing, which resulted in a nose-over.
NTSB analysis
The pilot in the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that, about 30 minutes into the flight, the oil pressure gauge needle entered the yellow (caution) arc. The pilot decided to make a precautionary landing at the nearest airport and to land on the grass on the right side of the asphalt runway. Before landing, he overflew the grass surface twice and then conducted a touch-and-go landing to assess the surface condition. The third approach and landing were normal, but during the landing roll, the main landing gear wheels encountered "a soft patch of muddy soil," and the airplane nosed over.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the empennage.
The pilot reported that the only mechanical malfunction that occurred was specific to the oil pressure gauge.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA19CA215 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Apr 15, 2019
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Lebanon, Indiana
- Nearest airport
- Boone County (6I4)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Amateur-built RTH JUNGSTER 1
- N-number
- N3243
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1972
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
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.