What happened
On May 10, 2025, at approximately 1412 Pacific daylight time, a Piper PA-18-150, registration N333TM, was involved in an accident near Enumclaw, Washington. The aircraft was operating under 14 CFR Part 91 as a glider tow flight, departing from Bergseth Field Airport (WN76).
While performing turns according to standard departure procedures with a glider in tow, the engine suffered an abrupt loss of all power at approximately 200 feet above ground level during a left bank. The pilot responded by lowering the nose and performing several checks, including verifying the fuel selector was on the left tank, carburetor heat was off, the throttle was full forward, and the magneto switch was set to BOTH.
After releasing the glider from the tow, the pilot initiated a forced landing in a field located roughly 1 mile northwest of WN76. During the landing sequence, the aircraft struck a fence and subsequently underwent a ground loop. The pilot was not injured.
The investigation
Post-accident examination of the aircraft revealed substantial damage to the fuselage, the left wing, and both the left and right wing lift struts. The wreckage was moved to a secure location for further study.