SZD-38A kites above Wilga tug on aerotow; both crash

Both occupants of a PZL-104 Wilga tug were fatally injured and the SZD-38A Jantar pilot seriously injured when the glider climbed above the tug on aerotow at Riesa-Canitz; both aircraft destroyed. After takeoff at ~130 km/h the combination flew low over rising terrain. The glider pilot asked the tug to climb, then lost visual contact as the Jantar rose above the Wilga, pulling its tail up. Neither crew released in time. The Wilga became uncontrollable and crashed and burned ~1.5-2 km SE of the field. The pilot released shortly before the glider struck near the tug. The tow pilot's aerotow rating had been issued 7 days earlier.

1. Aerotow climbout from Riesa-Canitz: The SZD-38A Jantar single-seater was launched on aerotow behind a PZL-104 Wilga tug from Riesa-Canitz airfield. The tow climbed away normally at about 130 km/h.
2. Rising terrain; tow at low height: As the tow continued, the ground rose gently along the climb-out track, so although the combination was nominally climbing, the height above terrain barely increased.
3. Tug pilot's aerotow rating 7 days old: The tug pilot's aerotow rating had been issued just seven days before the accident, leaving him with very limited experience managing abnormal tow situations.
4. Glider rises above tug, lifts tail: Concerned about the height over rising ground, the pilot asked the towplane to climb; the Jantar climbed above the Wilga, and the rope pulled the Wilga's tail up, forcing its nose down.
5. No timely release by either crew: Despite the increasing rope tension and developing kite/overtake geometry, neither the glider pilot nor the Wilga crew released the towrope in time to separate the combination.
6. Wilga uncontrollable, dives: With the glider above and the rope pulling its tail up, the Wilga's pitch worsened until it became uncontrollable, descending toward the ground 1.5-2 km southeast of the airfield.
7. Both impact and burn; 2 fatal + 1 SI: The Wilga crashed and burned in a field; the Jantar, released shortly before, struck ground nearby after a steep climbing turn. Both Wilga occupants died; the Jantar pilot was injured.