Fatal Aerotow Accident Destroys Piper Pawnee at Saratoga County Airport

A fatal aerotow accident occurred May 26 at Saratoga County Airport (5B2) in Milton, New York. A Piper PA-25-235 Pawnee tow plane, registration N8656L, was destroyed following a runway collision during a glider launch. The pilot, the sole occupant of the tow aircraft, died from injuries sustained in the crash and subsequent fire.

Preliminary Federal Aviation Administration information indicates the tow plane impacted the runway and caught fire after the glider it was towing pitched up sharply. This maneuver, known as "kiting," places excessive tension on the towline and can destabilize the towing aircraft, particularly during takeoff. The Grob G103 Twin Astir glider reportedly landed safely with no reported injuries to its occupants.

The National Transportation Safety Board and FAA have opened an investigation into the crash. Initial reports classify the event as a fatal accident, though no probable cause has been released. Aviation experts note that kiting scenarios often involve coordination issues between pilots during the critical initial climb phase.