# NTSB GAA18CA222: Piper PA 25-235, N7247Z, Saratoga Springs, NY, April 22, 2018 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report - Date: April 22, 2018, 13:12 local (17:12 UTC) - Place: Saratoga Springs, NY - Coordinates: 43.049446, -73.858612 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=43.0494&lon=-73.8586&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Defining event: [Takeoff: Glider tow event](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/510) - Highest injury: No injuries - Injuries: 1 uninjured - Status: Completed, report August 27, 2018 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB office: General Aviation Accidents - Parties: FAA - NTSB case key (mKey): 97081 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=GAA18CA222 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/97081/pdf - NTSB docket: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=97081 - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA18CA222 ## Probable cause The glider pilot’s failure to maintain pitch during a CG aerotow, which resulted in the loss of control of the tow airplane. ## Findings NTSB's coded findings; those marked are part of the probable cause. - [Performance/control parameters: pitch control](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062022): Aircraft › Aircraft oper/perf/capability · Not attained/maintained (probable cause); cases with it: [Piper PA-25-235, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062022/cases.md?model=7102504), [All aircraft, 526 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062022/cases.md) - [Performance/control parameters: altitude](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062012): Aircraft › Aircraft oper/perf/capability · Not attained/maintained (probable cause); cases with it: [Piper PA-25-235, 10 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062012/cases.md?model=7102504), [All aircraft, 1,310 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062012/cases.md) - [Use of equip/info: aircraft control](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040): Personnel issues › Task performance · Pilot of other aircraft (probable cause); cases with it: [Piper PA-25-235, 18 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040/cases.md?model=7102504), [All aircraft, 9,295 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040/cases.md) - [Object/animal/substance: runway/taxi/approach light](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03022012): Environmental issues › Physical environment · Contributed to outcome; cases with it: [Piper PA-25-235, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03022012/cases.md?model=7102504), [All aircraft, 106 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03022012/cases.md) ## Sequence of events The events NTSB coded, in order, by phase of flight. The defining event best describes what happened. - [Takeoff: Glider tow event](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/510) (defining event); cases with it: [Piper PA-25-235, 5 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/510/sequence.md?model=7102504), [All aircraft, 45 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/510/sequence.md) - [Takeoff: Loss of control in flight](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/240); cases with it: [Piper PA-25-235, 11 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/240/sequence.md?model=7102504), [All aircraft, 5,002 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/240/sequence.md) - [Takeoff: Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT) ](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470); cases with it: [Piper PA-25-235, 28 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470/sequence.md?model=7102504), [All aircraft, 10,189 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470/sequence.md) ## Analysis The tow plane pilot reported that, during takeoff for a glider tow, about 20 to 30 ft above ground, the airplane lurched forward and pitched nose down. He added that he pushed the tow line release mechanism forward, but it did not feel as if the tow line released. The airplane impacted the ground in a nose-low attitude, exited the runway, struck a runway light and runway sign, and ground looped. The pilot of the glider being towed reported that, during takeoff, the glider became airborne and abruptly pitched into a steep, nose-high attitude, and he had lost sight of the tow airplane. He released the tow rope, maintained level flight attitude about 150 ft above ground, and landed on the grass adjacent to the runway without further incident. The glider pilot reported in a follow up telephone conversation that the glider used a center of gravity (CG) hook set up for the glider tow. The tow airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing. The pilot of the tow airplane and glider reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane and glider that would have precluded normal operation. Federal Aviation Administration's Glider Flying Handbook, FAA-H-8083-13A, contains a section titled "CG Hooks" which states: A CG hook, as compared to a nose hook, makes a crosswind takeoff more difficult since the glider can weathervane into the wind more easily. In addition, a CG hook makes the glider more susceptible to kiting on takeoff, especially if the CG is near the aft limit. This can present a serious danger to the towplane during the aerotow. It also contains a section titled "Aerotow Takeoff Procedures" which states: One of the most dangerous occurrences during aerotow is allowing the glider to fly high above and losing sight of the towplane. The tension on the towline caused by the glider pulls the towplane tail up, lowering its nose. If the glider continues to rise, pulling the towplane tail higher, the tow pilot may not be able to raise the nose. Ultimately, the tow pilot may run out of up elevator authority. ## Factual narrative The tow plane pilot reported that, during takeoff for a glider tow, about 20 to 30 ft above ground, the airplane lurched forward and pitched nose down. He added that he pushed the tow line release mechanism forward, but it did not feel as if the tow line released. The airplane impacted the ground in a nose low attitude, exited the runway, struck a runway light and runway sign, and ground looped. The pilot of the glider being towed reported that, during takeoff, the glider became airborne and abruptly pitched into a steep nose high attitude, and he had lost sight of the tow airplane. He released the tow rope, maintained level flight attitude about 150 ft above ground, and landed on the grass adjacent to the runway without further incident. The glider pilot reported in a follow up telephone conversation that the glider utilized a CG hook set up for the glider tow. The tow airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing. The pilot of the tow airplane and glider reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane and glider respectively that would have precluded normal operation. Federal Aviation Administration's Glider Flying Handbook, FAA-H-8083-13A, contains a section titled "CG Hooks" which states: A CG hook, as compared to a nose hook, makes a crosswind takeoff more difficult since the glider can weathervane into the wind more easily. In addition, a CG hook makes the glider more susceptible to kiting on takeoff, especially if the CG is near the aft limit. This can present a serious danger to the towplane during the aerotow. It also contains a section titled "Aerotow Takeoff Procedures" which states: One of the most dangerous occurrences during aerotow is allowing the glider to fly high above and losing sight of the towplane. The tension on the towline caused by the glider pulls the towplane tail up, lowering its nose. If the glider continues to rise, pulling the towplane tail higher, the tow pilot may not be able to raise the nose. Ultimately, the tow pilot may run out of up elevator authority. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N7247Z](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N7247Z-2019-02-04), registration cancelled 2019-02-04, S/N 25-3176, built 1965 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: PIPER PA 25-235 (NO SERIES) - Registry model: [Piper PA-25-235](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-25-235) (registry code 7102504) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-540 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-540-series) (registry code 41532, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 25-3176 - Year built: 1965 - Airframe hours: 3517.9 - Engines: Lycoming O-540-B2B5(C) 250 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Glider tow, Part 91 - Operator: Adirondack Soaring Association Inc - Registered owner: Adirondack Soaring Association Inc - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Last inspection: Annual, April 13, 2018 - Departed: 5B2, Saratoga Springs, NY - Destination: 5B2, Saratoga Springs, NY - Airport: 5B2, Saratoga County, runway 32, 4,000 × 100 ft, concrete - Equipment: None ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 59; injuries: none; flight instructor, commercial; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine sea, single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 3, with waivers/limitations; last flight review December 21, 2017; seat: single; restraint: 4-point; flight hours: 2,746 total, 33 in this make and model, 2,448 as pilot in command, 107 in the last 90 days, 61 in the last 30 days, 2 in the last 24 hours ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 260° at 4 knots, gusting 16 - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 57 °F, dew point 16 °F - Altimeter: 30.37 inHg - Observed at: KSCH, 13 nm away ## Other investigations on N7247Z (3) From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model. - [NTSB NYC01LA222](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC01LA222), Sep 2, 2001: Piper PA-25 (N7247Z), Warren, VT, substantial damage. Probable cause: The pilot's improper fuel planning, which resulted in fuel exhaustion. - [NTSB CHI73FCA01](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI73FCA01), Sep 30, 1972: Piper PA-25 (N7247Z), Dorsey, IL, substantial damage - [NTSB MKC68D0027](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC68D0027), Jun 17, 1967: Piper PA-25 (N7247Z), Cauker City, KS, substantial damage ## Docket (5 files) The files NTSB released with the investigation on June 13, 2018, on NTSB's docket system: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=97081. 4.2 MB in all. - Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1 (item 1, .PDF, 3.8 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40463980&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Pilot%2FOperator%20Aircraft%20Accident%20Report,%20NTSB%20Form%206120.1-Master.PDF - Tow Pilot's Statement (item 2, .PDF, 131 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40463981&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Tow%20Pilot%27s%20Statement-Master.PDF - Glider Piliot's Statement (item 3, .PDF, 127 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40463982&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Glider%20Piliot%27s%20Statement-Master.PDF - Record of Conversation - Glider Pilot (item 4, .PDF, 68 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40463983&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Record%20of%20Conversation%20-%20Glider%20Pilot-Master.PDF - Accident Photo (item 5, .PDF, 144 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40463984&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Accident%20Photo-Master.PDF From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model. --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.