What happened
On 27 December 2025, at approximately 1130 UTC, a Eurofox 2K glider tug, registration G-CMAX, departed Talgarth Airfield in Powys with an ASK13 glider under tow. The pilot had initially planned to use the into-wind runway but switched to the north-westerly runway due to wet and boggy ground conditions, accepting a 90-degree crosswind from right to left.
Prior to the accident flight, the tug had performed a local circuit to assess turbulence, during which it was observed rocking significantly on final approach. After landing, the glider was attached for launch. The combination accelerated slowly due to the grass surface but became airborne. Immediately after liftoff, the tug rolled uncommanded to approximately 60 degrees left wing down. The glider pilot released the tow and landed safely within the airfield boundary.
The tug turned left, briefly touching the ground with its main gear while tracking toward trees and a hangar. It then became airborne again, climbing steeply before the left wing dropped and the aircraft descended rapidly into an adjacent field just outside the airfield perimeter. The sole pilot was seriously injured. Damage to the aircraft included disruption to the cockpit and wings, with one propeller blade missing.
The investigation
The AAIB examined the accident site, noting that the aircraft clipped a wire fence with its left wingtip before striking the ground nose-down. It rotated 270 degrees horizontally before coming to rest on its wheels. Examination of the airframe revealed no pre-existing damage affecting control continuity. The engine and propeller were largely intact, aside from the blade loss.
Data from the Engine Control Unit (ECU) confirmed the engine was operating normally throughout the flight. Throttle data showed a brief reduction to 21% near the end of the recording, consistent with an attempt to land or reduce speed, before being restored to full power. Meteorological data indicated winds of 12-16 knots gusting to 23 knots from the east-north-east at the time of the accident. This wind was fully across the runway in use. The airfield is located on the western slopes of the Black Mountains, a location known for changeable weather and rotor turbulence.
Findings
The investigation established that the aircraft encountered severe turbulence shortly before the accident flight, which was visible to observers on the ground. During the takeoff, the combination of gusty crosswind and turbulent air likely caused the initial uncommanded roll. The pilot’s attempt to clear obstacles after the brief touchdown resulted in a steep climb, which reduced airspeed and led to an aerodynamic stall and loss of control.
The recorded wind speed may have exceeded the aircraft's published crosswind limit of 15 knots. Although the pilot believed ground-level winds were lower than those recorded by the weather station, the AAIB noted that the aircraft would have encountered the full force of the wind as it climbed. The focus on completing the glider tow may have contributed to a decision-making bias, where the hazards of the crosswind and turbulence were not sufficiently weighed against the goal of the flight.
Safety action
Following the accident, the gliding club implemented improvements to its weather reporting system. A live wind indicator was introduced on the club website, providing accessible data on mean wind speeds, gusts, and components for all runways. Additionally, the club began initiatives to improve its safety culture, encouraging pilots to ask themselves whether they should fly rather than just if they can, and to proactively identify potential hazards before launch.