Pégase stalls in a low turn-back after going high on tow

A Centrair 101 Pégase was substantially damaged when it stalled in a low turn-back and dropped into trees, seconds after a rushed aerotow launch with a fogged canopy. Unable to see the tug through the misted canopy, the pilot let the glider climb high and left just after lift-off. Feeling the upset, the tug pilot released the cable and cleared the runway. Rather than land straight ahead — half the runway and fields were available — the pilot chose a low left turn toward the crossing runway and stalled at about 17 m. He had rushed not to keep the tug waiting; no departure briefing was given, and the tug pilot gave no radio call on release.

1. Rushed aerotow launch, fogged canopy: Rushing his third flight of the day, the pilot launched on aerotow with a heavily fogged canopy.
2. Could not see the tug: Unable to see the tug through the misted canopy, he let the glider climb high and left just after lift-off.
3. Tug releases the cable: Feeling the upset from behind, the tug pilot released the cable and cleared the runway.
4. Low turn-back over landing ahead: Rather than land straight ahead, with half the runway and open fields available, the pilot chose a low left turn toward the crossing runway.
5. Stalled in the low turn: At about 17 m the glider stalled in the turn and control was lost.
6. Dropped into trees: The glider dropped into trees beside the runway, substantially damaged; the pilot climbed out unhurt.