Incident Overview
On an unspecified date, a Piper PA-18 (registration N3594P) was being used to tow a Burkhart Grob Flugzeugbau G103 Twin Astir glider (registration N4246L). At 0950 MST, the wind was reported from 310 degrees at 9 knots. Because the terrain sloped downhill to the south, runway 17R (covered with hard packed snow) was used for takeoff.
Takeoff and Encounter
The tow pilot reported that during takeoff, a quartering rear gust of wind was encountered and forced the aircraft back onto the runway. The aircraft touched down at the end of the runway, rolled into snow, and nosed over. The tow pilot estimated the gusts at 15 knots.
Glider Actions
The instructor pilot (CFI) in the glider reported that the glider had just lifted off when he saw the tow plane settle to the ground and disappear in a cloud of snow. The glider student released the tow rope. The glider entered the cloud of snow. When it emerged from the cloud, the glider aircrew saw the inverted tow plane immediately ahead.
Collision
The left wing of the glider hit the right main gear of the tow plane.
Policy Context
The glider club had a policy that all takeoffs would be made to the south, but no takeoffs were permitted if the tailwind exceeded 20 knots.