Glider Tow Aircraft Experiences Engine Failure and Lands Off-Runway (N7247Z)

Incident Overview and Pilot Actions During the Accident Sequence, the pilot reported that the fuel gauge indicated approximately one-quarter of a tank full before the first of five glider tow flights. During the final flight, the pilot released the glider at an altitude of 2,500 feet, approximately 2.5 miles from the takeoff airport. Following the release, the pilot initiated a descending, 270-degree left turn. As the aircraft was rolled out of the turn, the engine sputtered for several seconds before stopping. The engine subsequently restarted and ran for a few seconds before stopping again. The pilot established the aircraft in a 75-mph glide and turned it directly toward the airport. Despite cycling the magneto switches, throttle, and mixture controls, the engine did not restart. The aircraft touched down approximately 300 yards east of the runway and collided with a paddock fence. Post-accident inspections revealed that no fuel was found in the aircraft.