N16MRRandall Marvin L VANS RV-3A · 1988

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.

Following a formation flight and landing of four airplanes, the pilots reported that, while taxing to park, the lead airplane reduced power to idle and the engine quit.

After multiple attempts to restart the engine, the lead pilot signaled the other pilots to pass on the left side, and continue to parking. As the 2nd airplane taxied past, the 3rd airplane followed.

The pilots added that, the 3rd airplane had limited forward visibility due to the nose attitude of the airplane, and the pilot was unaware that the lead airplane was stationary. Subsequently, the 3rd airplane passed the lead airplane with insufficient clearance, resulting in the 3rd airplane's right-wing colliding with the lead airplane's left elevator, and the propeller from the 3rd airplane struck the lead airplane's left wing.

The lead airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing and left elevator.

The pilots reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplanes that would have precluded normal operation.