Accident Overview
A Civil Air Patrol private pilot, who had recently been signed off to tow gliders after logging 24 tows, reported that during the initial climb the incline was 20 degrees and the airspeed was approximately 50 knots. The Pilot's Operating Handbook for the airplane states that the flaps-up, power-off stall speed is 54 knots.
Witness Accounts
Several witnesses observed the airplane depart at a high angle of attack, after which it appeared to mush and stall, ultimately striking a T-hangar.
Post-Accident Examination
Post-accident examination of the airplane revealed that both wings were bent and wrinkled, and both the fuselage and empennage were also bent and wrinkled. The density altitude at the time of the accident was calculated to be 7,070 feet.