On May 11, 1985, a Champion 7KCAB (registration N5285X) was involved in an aviation accident near Chattanooga, OK. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During a glider tow launch at about 200 feet, the glider climbed above the tow plane, causing the tow plane to pitch down. Both pilots released the tow line, but the tow plane could not recover and impacted the ground nose-down with left wing low. The glider pilot landed safely.
Incident Overview
A glider being tow-launched experienced an unexpected ascent shortly after takeoff. When approximately 200 feet above ground level, the glider suddenly gained unwanted altitude and climbed above the tow plane. This action forced the tow plane's nose downward before the tow line could be released.
Event Sequence
Both pilots managed to release the tow line; however, the tow plane was unable to recover from the resulting descent. The aircraft struck the ground at approximately a 45-degree nose-down attitude with the left wing low. The glider pilot circled back to the runway and executed a successful landing.
Outcome
The tow plane sustained substantial damage in the ground impact. No information regarding injuries or fatalities is provided in the source. The glider pilot returned safely without further incident.