Introduction
On an unspecified date, a glider pilot reported an accident that occurred during a second attempt to launch from Bergseth Field. The glider was being towed by a Piper PA-18 tow plane when the towline prematurely released from the tow aircraft’s release hook shortly after takeoff.
Incident Details
The pilot stated that the unscheduled release happened approximately 200 feet above ground level (AGL) after departing from runway 28. Following the disconnect, the glider pilot initiated a right turn in an effort to return to the departure runway. During the turn, the glider "pitched down" and did not respond to control inputs. Shortly thereafter, the glider struck trees and terrain.
Sequence of Events
This was the second failed launch attempt. The first attempt resulted in an unscheduled release immediately after the tow began. After the first release, the "Field Manager" reconnected the towline to the PA-18, and the second tow was initiated. In both instances, the towline released from the tow aircraft’s release hook but remained attached to the glider’s latching mechanism.
Tow-Hitch Examination
The handle for the tow-hitch is located on the floorboard of the tow plane’s forward cockpit. To open the hitch, the handle is moved from the forward position to the aft position. The tow plane pilot reported that the handle had not been actuated and was in the forward position when the unscheduled releases occurred. A postaccident examination and testing of the tow-hitch revealed no discrepancies or anomalies that would explain the unscheduled release.
Pilot Comments
In a written statement, the glider pilot indicated that he had not been briefed on potential emergency landing sites near the departure field. He stated that had he received such a briefing, he would have "made the decision to fly to such a site given my altitude at release."
Airport Information
Bergseth Field has an elevation of approximately 1,100 feet mean sea level (MSL). Runway 10/28 is a 2,100-foot-long by 60-foot-wide turf runway. The terrain to the east is rising, while the terrain to the west slopes down to an elevation of approximately 500 feet MSL.