Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain clearance with terrain after intentionally releasing from the tow plane at a low altitude during the initial climb.
NTSB analysis
After taking off, the lead pilot in a dual tow elected to perform a precautionary release as a result of a "slack-line" condition. The trail pilot, realizing that his tow rope was now under the lead pilot's right wing, released his tow rope and immediately turned right. Without sufficient altitude or airspeed to return to the airport, the trail pilot tried to level the glider's wings, but could not before the right wing tip impacted terrain. The glider sustained substantial damage to its right wing and empennage.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR09LA381 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Aug 2, 2009
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Williams, California
- Nearest airport
- Williams Gliderport (CN12)
- Highest injury
- Serious
- Serious injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Schempp Hirth DISCUS CS
- N-number
- N7HV
- Category
- Glider
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Glider tow
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.