What happened
The Piper PA-18, registration N3594P, was engaged in a flight training operation to tow a Burkhart Grob Flugzeugbau G103 Twin Astir glider, identified as N4246L. The operation took place at 0950 MST under winter conditions. Although the reported wind was from 310 degrees at 9 knots, the terrain sloped downhill to the south, prompting the use of Runway 17R, which was covered with hard-packed snow. The glider club's standard operating procedure required all takeoffs to be made toward the south, provided the tailwind component did not exceed 20 knots.
During the takeoff roll, the tow pilot encountered a quartering rear gust estimated at 15 knots. This sudden wind shift reduced lift and forced the aircraft back onto the runway surface. The plane touched down near the end of the available pavement, rolled into the snow, and subsequently nosed over.
Simultaneously, the instructor pilot in the glider reported that the glider had just lifted off when he observed the tow plane settle to the ground and disappear into a cloud of snow kicked up by its wheels. The student pilot in the glider released the tow rope as a precaution. As the glider emerged from the snow cloud, the aircrew saw the inverted tow plane immediately ahead. During the subsequent maneuvering or settling, the left wing of the glider struck the right main gear of the overturned tow plane.