6) MISHANDLED ABN., C-FIT

Piper PA-25 | N8186K

July 12th, 2025 | Hot Springs, South Dakota

Accident Location

  • City: Hot Springs
  • State: South Dakota
  • Latitude: 43.37525°N
  • Longitude: 103.37913°W
  • Airport ID: KHSR

Aircraft Info

  • N Number: N8186K
  • Make: Piper
  • Model: PA-25
  • Aircraft Category: Aircraft Single Engine Land
  • Amateur Built: No

Pilot Info

  • PIC Name: Martin B. Larson
  • Gender: Male
  • Pilot Age: 49
  • Pilot Hours:
  • Flight School: No
  • Instructional Flight: No
  • Pilot Certification: Airline Transport Pilot
  • IFR Rating: Yes
  • Pilot Error: Yes
  • Pilot Medical: 2nd Class Medical
  • Pilot Incapacitation: No

Analysis

  • Date: July 12th, 2025
  • Time: 1:25 PM Local Time
  • Day / Night: Day
  • VMC / IMC: VMC
  • Phase Of Flight: Initial Climb
  • Total People Onboard: 1
  • PIC Fatality: 1
  • PAX Fatalities: 0
  • Ground Fatalities: 0
  • Total Fatalities: 1
  • NTSB No: CEN25FA248
  • NTSB Travel: Yes
  • AQP Classification: 6) MISHANDLED ABN., C-FIT

Probable Cause

DTSB: Pending. Preliminary report indicates glider in tow experienced updrafts putting upward pressure on the tow rope. The tow pilot failed to jettison the tow rope and pitched down before the rope broke. The tow plane failed to recover from the nose down attitude and impacted terrain.

NTSB: Pending. Witness reports indicate that the glider in tow experienced

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.