# NTSB Accident ERA18FA006
> **PIPER PA 25-235** · 2017-10-07 · Front Royal, VA, USA · FATL
## Event
- **NTSB number:** ERA18FA006
- **Event ID:** 20171007X53946
- **Type:** Accident
- **Date:** 2017-10-07
- **Location:** Front Royal, VA, USA
- **Coordinates:** 38.920276, -78.263053
## Injuries
- **Highest injury:** FATL
- **Fatal:** 1
- **Serious:** 0
- **Minor:** 0
- **Uninjured:** 0
- **Total aboard:** 1
## Aircraft
- **Make:** PIPER
- **Model:** PA 25-235
- **Registration:** N90866
- **FAR Part:** 091
- **Engines:** 1
- **Damage:** DEST
## Conditions
- **Light:** DAYL
- **Weather:** VMC
## Probable cause

The tow plane pilot's loss of airplane control for reasons that could not be determined based on the available evidence. Contributing to the accident was the glider instructor's diversion of attention away from the tow airplane which resulted in his delay in releasing the tow rope once the tow plane was no longer visible from the glider cockpit.

---
*Source: [NTSB CAROL](https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-main-public/basic-search?source=ntsb&type=event&ntsb_number=ERA18FA006) · AI Analytics · CC0 1.0*