Accident Overview
A tow plane performing a glider tow operation stalled and impacted terrain following a nose-high pitch excursion. The glider pilot, who was being towed at the time, reported a normal takeoff until reaching approximately 100-150 feet above ground level. At that point, the tow plane began to outclimb the glider, causing slack to develop in the tow line. The glider pilot released from the tow when she recognized that the glider was approaching stall speed while attempting to keep up with the tow plane.
Eyewitness Accounts
Witnesses observed the tow plane pitch nose-high twice before it stalled and spun to the right. One witness, another pilot who had flown the accident airplane on 12 previous flights that day, reported no problems with the airplane during his flights that would have prevented normal operation. Additional witnesses reported hearing normal engine noise throughout the event.
Post-Accident Examination
A post-accident examination of the airplane revealed no anomalies that would have affected its flying abilities. Toxicological tests of samples from the pilot revealed the presence of phentermine, a prescription stimulant drug, as well as ephedrine and pseudoephedrine, which are components of over-the-counter compounds with stimulant properties.