VANS RV3-A
Torrington, WY — September 27, 2025
Event Information
| Date | September 27, 2025 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | WPR25LA299 |
| Event ID | 20250930201761 |
| Location | Torrington, WY |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 42.07153, -104.16250 |
| Highest Injury | SERS |
Aircraft
| Make | VANS |
| Model | RV3-A |
| Category | AIR |
| FAR Part | 091 |
| Aircraft Damage | SUBS |
Conditions
| Light Condition | DAYL |
| Weather | VMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 0 |
| Serious | 1 |
| Minor | 0 |
| None | 0 |
| Total Injured | 1 |
Full Narrative
On September 27, 2025, about 1600 mountain daylight time, an experimental amateur-built Vans RV-3A, N16MR, sustained substantial damage when it was involved in an accident near Torrington, Wyoming. The pilot was seriously injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.
According to the airport manager, the pilot departed runway 10 and during the initial climb, the engine lost power. The pilot attempted to return to the runway, however, was unable to make it and initiated a forced landing to an open field about 1/2 mile north of the runway. During the landing roll, the airplane struck a berm and nosed over. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the vertical stabilizer and rudder.
The airplane was recovered to a secure location for further examination.
About This NTSB Record
This aviation event was investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). NTSB investigates all U.S. civil aviation accidents to determine probable cause and issue safety recommendations to prevent future accidents.