What happened
On May 9, 2020, a Bellanca 8GCBC, registration N4116Y, was involved in a fatal accident during a glider tow operation at Byron Airport (C83) in California. The flight was being conducted under Part 91 regulations, towing a Schweizer SGS 1-26E glider.
Following takeoff, the glider pilot reported that the glider's canopy began opening and closing rapidly. While attempting to secure the canopy, the glider pilot became briefly disoriented. During this period, the glider's altitude fluctuated significantly relative to the tow plane.
Security camera footage and witness accounts indicate that after the aircraft became airborne, the glider pitched upward and ascended to a higher altitude than the tow plane. A witness observed the glider climbing abruptly, creating a steep angle on the tow line. As the glider subsequently ascended again while the tow plane was at approximately 100 feet above ground level, the tow plane was forced into a nose-low attitude. The N4116Y impacted the runway in a nose-down position, resulting in a nosed-over wreckage and a post-impact fire. The pilot of the tow plane sustained 1 fatal injury. The glider pilot landed the Schweizer SGS 1-26E uneventfully on runway 12.
The investigation
Investigators examined the wreckage of the tow plane and found the primary structure of the wings, fuselage, and empennage remained intact, though the fabric covering was mostly destroyed by fire. The flight control cables were found to be properly attached to their controls. The rope-cutting mechanism (guillotine) was found in the engaged position, suggesting the pilot attempted to release the tow rope.
The glider's canopy latching mechanism was tested numerous times and functioned normally. No preexisting mechanical malfunctions were found in the tow plane that would have prevented normal operation.