ASH 26 E stalls after climbing above the tow plane

A pilot was killed and the ASH 26 E substantially damaged during an aerotow launch near Waynesville. The glider became airborne earlier than normal and climbed above and to the left of the tow plane, pulling the tow plane's tail up; about three-quarters of the way down the runway, at roughly 30-45 m AGL, the tow pilot released it. Witnesses saw it pitch up sharply and stall; the right wing dropped, and it rolled left into a descending turn that continued to ground impact. Investigators found no mechanical or medical cause and attributed the accident to the pilot's loss of control on takeoff, for reasons they could not determine.

1. Takeoff on aerotow: The glider was being towed for takeoff on the third and final tow of the day.
2. Climbs above the tow plane early: Partway down the runway, the glider became airborne earlier than normal and climbed above and to the left of the tow plane, pulling the tow plane's tail up.
3. Tow pilot releases low: About three-quarters down the runway, at roughly 30-45 m AGL, the tow pilot released the glider.
4. Pitches up and stalls: Witnesses saw the glider pitch up sharply and stall, dropping the right wing.
5. Descends into the ground: The glider rolled left into a descending turn that continued to ground impact; the pilot was killed, the glider substantially damaged.