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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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NTSB Report

June 17, 2000 · Piper PA-25-260 · N8578L

Coleville, CA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
June 17, 2000
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Coleville, CA
Aircraft
Piper PA-25-260
Tail Number
N8578L
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
LAX00LA233

The commercial pilot was attempting to tow a sailplane out from a field. The sailplane pilot had lost lift and made a precautionary landing, and contacted the tow plane company for assistance. After landing the tow plane in the open field, both pilots paced off about 15/1,600 feet, which the tow pilot estimated would be sufficient for takeoff at 5,300 feet msl. The density altitude was calculated to be about 7,903 feet msl. During the takeoff climb the tow plane collided with a fence. The sailplane released, overflew the tow plane about 2 to 4 feet, and collided with another fence.

NTSB Probable Cause

the tow plane pilot's inadequate airplane performance calculations.

Full Narrative

On June 17, 2000, about 1430 hours Pacific daylight time, a Piper PA-25-260, N8578L, collided with a fence during a sailplane tow takeoff from a dirt field near Coleville, California. The airplane, operated by Soar Minden under 14 CFR Part 91, sustained substantial damage. The commercial pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the flight and a company flight plan was filed. The flight originated from the Minden-Tahoe Airport, Minden, Nevada, about 1400, and landed in the field, about 5,300 feet mean sea level (msl), to recover a sailplane after it had made a precautionary landing in the field. The pilot reported that the sailplane pilot had lost lift and decided to make a precautionary landing, and contacted his company for assistance in towing the glider out of the field. After landing the tow plane in the open field, both pilots paced off about 15/1,600 feet, which he estimated would be sufficient for takeoff at 5,300 feet msl. The density altitude was calculated to be about 7,903 feet msl. During the takeoff climb the tow plane collided with a fence. The sailplane released, overflew the tow plane by 2 to 4 feet, and collided with another fence across the road from the tow plane.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time14:31 PDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA-25-260
Tail NumberN8578L
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-540 · Reciprocating · 260
Seats1

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 38 · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind50° @ 7 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point17 C
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time22:56
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data