Casualties unknown

2000-06-17: Piper PA-25-260 (N8578L) — Coleville, CA

Coleville, CA, US

On June 17, 2000, a Piper PA-25-260 (registration N8578L) was involved in an aviation accident near Coleville, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the tow plane pilot's inadequate airplane performance calculations. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

A commercial pilot attempting to tow a glider from an open field struck a fence during takeoff; the glider released and subsequently collided with another fence.

Background

A commercial pilot was asked to tow a sailplane that had made a precautionary landing after losing lift. The sailplane pilot contacted the tow plane company for assistance. The tow pilot landed in the open field to pick up the glider.

Pre-Takeoff Assessment

Both pilots paced off a distance of approximately 15/1,600 feet. The tow pilot estimated this distance would be sufficient for takeoff at an elevation of 5,300 feet mean sea level (msl). However, the density altitude was calculated to be about 7,903 feet msl, significantly higher than the field elevation.

The Event

During the takeoff climb, the tow plane collided with a fence. The sailplane pilot released from the tow line, overflew the tow plane by about 2 to 4 feet, and then collided with another fence.

Outcome

No further details about damage or injuries were provided in the source.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X21270. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.