Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during takeoff, which resulted in a runway excursion and impact with terrain.
NTSB analysis
The pilot of the tailwheel equipped airplane reported that, during the takeoff roll, after the tailwheel came off the ground, the airplane veered left and exited the side of the runway. The pilot rotated the airplane to lift off the ground and remain in ground effect, but the main landing gear impacted a snowbank. The airplane nosed over and came to rest inverted, which resulted in substantial damage to the empennage. 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 WPR22LA121 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Mar 13, 2022
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Rock Springs, Wyoming
- Nearest airport
- Southwest Wyoming Regional (RKS)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
JUNGSTER I
- N-number
- N47BT
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 2007
- 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.