6) MISHANDLED ABN., C-FIT

Piper PA-25-235 | N8656L

May 26th, 2026 | Milton, New York

Accident Location

  • City: Milton
  • State: New York
  • Latitude: 43° 3' 3.65" N
  • Longitude: 73° 51' 40.95" W
  • Airport ID: 5B2

Aircraft Info

  • N Number: N8656L
  • Make: Piper
  • Model: PA-25-235
  • Aircraft Category: Aircraft Single Engine Land
  • Amateur Built: No

Pilot Info

  • PIC Name: James R. Stewart
  • Gender: Unknown
  • Pilot Age: 58
  • Pilot Hours:
  • Flight School: Unknown
  • Instructional Flight: Unknown
  • Pilot Certification: Unknown
  • IFR Rating: Unknown
  • Pilot Error: Yes
  • Pilot Medical: Unknown
  • Pilot Incapacitation: No

Analysis

  • Date: May 26th, 2026
  • Time: 1:45 PM Local Time
  • Day / Night: Unknown
  • VMC / IMC: Unknown
  • Phase Of Flight: Unknown
  • Total People Onboard: 1
  • PIC Fatality: 1
  • PAX Fatalities:
  • Ground Fatalities:
  • Total Fatalities:
  • NTSB No:
  • NTSB Travel: Unknown
  • AQP Classification: 6) MISHANDLED ABN., C-FIT

Probable Cause

DTSB: Pending. FAA reports that aircraft was towing a glider when “the glider pitched up and the accident airplane nosed over impacting the runway.” The pilot failed to jettison the tow rope when the glider pitched up applying upward (tail up, nose down) force to the tow plane.

NTSB: NONE

Recommendation

DTSB: Pending.

NTSB: NONE

DISCLAIMER: All data and Probable Cause listings are “Probable” only. They are based on opinion and educated speculation, and are for educational purposes only. They may contain incorrect information and are subject to change as new information becomes available.