Accident Overview
On May 10, 2025, at approximately 1412 Pacific daylight time, a Piper PA-18-150, registration N333TM, sustained substantial damage during an accident near Enumclaw, Washington. The aircraft was being operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 glider tow flight. The pilot, who was the sole occupant, reported no injuries.
Flight Sequence
The pilot was conducting glider tow operations from Bergseth Field Airport (WN76) in Enumclaw. According to the pilot, after departing WN76, he performed turns consistent with the operator's standard departure procedure while towing a glider. At an altitude of about 200 feet above ground level and while in a left bank, the engine abruptly lost all power. The pilot lowered the aircraft's nose and verified that the fuel selector was positioned on the left fuel tank, the carburetor heat was off, the throttle was full forward, and the magneto switch was set to BOTH. He then released the glider from its tow and initiated a forced landing to a field located approximately 1 mile northwest of WN76. During the landing, the airplane struck a fence and subsequently ground looped.
Fuel State and Postaccident Examination
The pilot reported that the accident flight was the fourth flight of the day and that the airplane had started the day's flights with "slightly less than half tanks on either side." Prior to the accident takeoff, the left wing fuel tank sight gauge indicated approximately one-quarter to one-half full, and the right wing fuel tank indicated approximately one-quarter full.
Postaccident examination of the airplane revealed substantial damage to the left wing, both left and right wing lift struts, and the fuselage. The wreckage was recovered to a secure location for further examination.