Probable cause
The pilot’s improper pitch control during takeoff which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and subsequent hard landing
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that, before takeoff he calculated the density altitude to be 9,700 ft. During takeoff, shortly after rotation, he “felt” that the airplane was slightly nose high and the stall warning horn aural alert activated, and the airplane began to shudder. The pilot then aborted the takeoff after he found it difficult to nose the airplane down to attain airspeed. About 10 ft above the ground, the airplane aerodynamically stalled and landed tail first then a hard bounce on the main landing gear. Subsequently, the right wing sustained substantial damage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR21LA345 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 24, 2021
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Rock Springs, Wyoming
- Nearest airport
- Southwest Wyoming Regional Air (KRKS)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 340
- N-number
- N419TT
- 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.