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April 22, 2018 · Piper PA 25-235 NO Series · N7247Z

Saratoga Springs, NY

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
April 22, 2018
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Saratoga Springs, NY
Aircraft
Piper PA 25-235 NO Series (1965)
Tail Number
N7247Z
Operator
Adirondack Soaring Association
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
GAA18CA222

The tow plane pilot reported that, during takeoff for a glider tow, about 20 to 30 ft above ground, the airplane lurched forward and pitched nose down. He added that he pushed the tow line release mechanism forward, but it did not feel as if the tow line released. The airplane impacted the ground in a nose-low attitude, exited the runway, struck a runway light and runway sign, and ground looped. The pilot of the glider being towed reported that, during takeoff, the glider became airborne and abruptly pitched into a steep, nose-high attitude, and he had lost sight of the tow airplane. He released the tow rope, maintained level flight attitude about 150 ft above ground, and landed on the grass adjacent to the runway without further incident. The glider pilot reported in a follow up telephone conversation that the glider used a center of gravity (CG) hook set up for the glider tow. The tow airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing. The pilot of the tow airplane and glider reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane and glider that would have precluded normal operation. Federal Aviation Administration's Glider Flying Handbook, FAA-H-8083-13A, contains a section titled "CG Hooks" which states: A CG hook, as compared to a nose hook, makes a crosswind takeoff more difficult since the glider can weathervane into the wind more easily. In addition, a CG hook makes the glider more susceptible to kiting on takeoff, especially if the CG is near the aft limit. This can present a serious danger to the towplane during the aerotow. It also contains a section titled "Aerotow Takeoff Procedures" which states: One of the most dangerous occurrences during aerotow is allowing the glider to fly high above and losing sight of the towplane. The tension on the towline caused by the glider pulls the towplane tail up, lowering its nose. If the glider continues to rise, pulling the towplane tail higher, the tow pilot may not be able to raise the nose. Ultimately, the tow pilot may run out of up elevator authority.

NTSB Probable Cause

The glider pilot’s failure to maintain pitch during a CG aerotow, which resulted in the loss of control of the tow airplane.

Full Narrative

The tow plane pilot reported that, during takeoff for a glider tow, about 20 to 30 ft above ground, the airplane lurched forward and pitched nose down. He added that he pushed the tow line release mechanism forward, but it did not feel as if the tow line released. The airplane impacted the ground in a nose low attitude, exited the runway, struck a runway light and runway sign, and ground looped. The pilot of the glider being towed reported that, during takeoff, the glider became airborne and abruptly pitched into a steep nose high attitude, and he had lost sight of the tow airplane. He released the tow rope, maintained level flight attitude about 150 ft above ground, and landed on the grass adjacent to the runway without further incident. The glider pilot reported in a follow up telephone conversation that the glider utilized a CG hook set up for the glider tow. The tow airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing. The pilot of the tow airplane and glider reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane and glider respectively that would have precluded normal operation. Federal Aviation Administration's Glider Flying Handbook, FAA-H-8083-13A, contains a section titled "CG Hooks" which states: A CG hook, as compared to a nose hook, makes a crosswind takeoff more difficult since the glider can weathervane into the wind more easily. In addition, a CG hook makes the glider more susceptible to kiting on takeoff, especially if the CG is near the aft limit. This can present a serious danger to the towplane during the aerotow. It also contains a section titled "Aerotow Takeoff Procedures" which states: One of the most dangerous occurrences during aerotow is allowing the glider to fly high above and losing sight of the towplane. The tension on the towline caused by the glider pulls the towplane tail up, lowering its nose. If the glider continues to rise, pulling the towplane tail higher, the tow pilot may not be able to raise the nose. Ultimately, the tow pilot may run out of up elevator authority.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time13:12 EDT
Nearest AirportSaratoga County (0nm ESE)
Runway32
Runway Length4000 ft
Runway Width100 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA 25-235 NO Series
Tail NumberN7247Z
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorAdirondack Soaring Association
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-540-B2B5(C) · Reciprocating · 250
Seats1

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 59 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind260° @ 4 kt, gusting 16 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point57 / 16 C
Altimeter30.37 inHg
Observation Time16:45
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data