SEA99LA078

The pilot reported that shortly after takeoff while towing a glider through about 350 feet above ground level, the engine lost power. The pilot stated that he released the glider, which successfully returned to the airport, and then attempted a forced landing in a rough, uneven field. During the landing roll, the airplane was substantially damaged. Shortly after the accident, a local mechanic started the engine and performed a run-up, to include checking the carburetor heat control. The test run was completed with no mechanical failures or malfunctions noted. The next day, an individual flew the airplane out of the field and returned it to the airport.

On May 22, 1999, approximately 1445 mountain daylight time, the pilot of a Cessna 182K, N2656R, attempted a forced landing in a rough field after experiencing a complete loss of engine power while taking off from Kalispell City Airport, Kalispell, Montana. The commercial pilot, who was the sole occupant, was not injured, but the aircraft, which was owned and operated by Angle View Air, sustained substantial damage. The 14 CFR Part 91 glider towing flight was being operated in visual meteorological conditions, and no flight plan had been filed.

According to the pilot, he had towed the glider to about 350 feet above the ground (AGL) when the engine started slowing and then stopped. He immediately released the glider, which successfully returned to the airport, and then attempted a forced landing in an open field. Although the touchdown was successful, the aircraft sustained damage while rolling across the rough uneven field.

Shortly after the accident, a local mechanic inspected the airplane for damage. The mechanic reported that the firewall was damaged, the fuselage belly displayed wrinkles to the skin, and the nose wheel was bent about 10 degrees off center. The mechanic then started the engine and did a run-up, to include checking the carburetor heat control. The test run was completed with no mechanical failures or malfunctions noted. The next day, an individual flew the airplane out of the field and returned it to the Kalispell City Airport.