19981114040239A

(.19) On November 14, 1998, at 1115 central standard time, a Cessna 182F, N3240U, piloted by a commercial pilot, received substantial damage on impact with terrain during a glider tow on initial climbout. The glider received no damage. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The 14 CFR part 91 local flight was not operating on a flight plan. The tow-plane pilot was fatally injured. The glider pilot and passenger reported no injuries. The flight originated at a private airstrip located approximately 2.5 miles northeast of Jabara Airport, near Wichita, Kansas, at 1115. The glider pilot and passenger reported that the tow rope had been released when the tow plane began experiencing engine trouble. The aircraft had been refueled prior to flight from a 500 gallon above ground storage tank. Samples taken by the federal aviation administration showed the presence of water. Visual inspection of the tow rope attach points showed no deformation. A total of approximately 30 oz. Of water was drained from the airplane wreckage, 4-1/2 oz. Of which was from the carburetor bowl. Examination of the engine found it to rotate and produce compression in all cylinders. Electrical continuity was established from the magnetos and through the harness. (.4) a Cessna 182F impacted terrain while towing a glider on initial climb out from a private airstrip. The glider pilot reported that the tow plane pilot had taxied to and from an overhead fuel tank for refueling the aircraft; the engine was then started 30-40 minutes later for departure. The glider pilot stated that at an altitude of 100-150 feet, there was an audible drop in engine noise. In describing his fuelling procedures, the glider pilot stated that he had tried to open a petcock valve at the bottom of the overhead tank but found it difficult to turn and attempted to drain from it only once. Trees which exhibited scarring on branches which were approximately 3 inches in diameter along with the aircraft's left wingtip were noted to be 36 feet northeast of the main wreckage. The left wing's leading edge had a 4 inch wide impression located 4 feet outboard from the its wing root. Approximately 4 oz of water from the left wing tank, 21-1/2 oz of water from the right wing tank and 4-1/2 oz of water from the carburetor bowl was found. The left and right fuel screens were unobstructed. The fu el selector was at the 'both' position. Samples from the fuel tank showed the presence of water when the tank sump, fuel line sump and fuel hose were drained. The fuel level within the fuel storage tank was estimated to be 1/4 full. The internal wall of the tank was rusted. There was a petcock on the bottom of the tank along with a clear fuel sump drain inline with the hose. (-23) fatal accident after loss of engine power. Aircraft struck trees during emergency landing. Water was found in both wings and carburetor.