No fatalities

PIPER PA-22-150 accident at Afton, WY, 17 May 2024

Afton, WY, United States

On May 17, 2024, a PIPER PA-22-150 was involved in an aviation accident near Afton, WY. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The commercial pilot’s failure to maintain directional control of the airplane during takeoff. Contributing was the student pilot’s application of brakes during the takeoff roll and the failure of both pilots to maintain a positive transfer of controls. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 2026-08-03Data APIEditorial standards

Probable cause

The commercial pilot’s failure to maintain directional control of the airplane during takeoff. Contributing was the student pilot’s application of brakes during the takeoff roll and the failure of both pilots to maintain a positive transfer of controls.

— NTSB Determination

Contributing factors

PilotDirectional control — Not attained/maintainedFlight crew

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 17 May 2024 PIPER PA-22-150 accident near Afton, WY?

The commercial pilot’s failure to maintain directional control of the airplane during takeoff. Contributing was the student pilot’s application of brakes during the takeoff roll and the failure of both pilots to maintain a positive transfer of controls.

Were there any fatalities in the 17 May 2024 PIPER PA-22-150 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 17 May 2024 involved a PIPER PA-22-150, at Afton, WY.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The commercial pilot’s failure to maintain directional control of the airplane during takeoff. Contributing was the student pilot’s application of brakes during the takeoff roll and the failure of both pilots to maintain a positive transfer of controls.