On 10th July 1985 this aircraft was being used as a tug aircraft to tow-launch gliders from Sutton Bank. It was refuelled prior to being attached to the tow rope of the first glider to be towed on this date. As the glider was not ready to be launched the pilot of the Pawnee shut down the engine until it was ready. At around 08.30hrs with the glider then ready for launch the Pawnee pilot re-started the engine and begun the take off run. Both tug and glider became airborne but while at just 25 feet above the ground the engine of the Pawnee failed and the aircraft sank back to the grass strip. Realising a problem the glider pilot cast off, with the distance left and at the speed the Pawnee was travelling it could not be stopped before it ran off the edge of the gliding site and over the cliffs, it crashed into trees below the airfield and was badly damaged. The pilot was only slightly injured and was back in the air in another aircraft later that day. The fire brigade and Forestry Commission were soon on the scene and took care of a fuel spill. The glider managed to use the bit of height it had gained and landed safely next to the Helmsley to Thirsk road, the passenger of which was on a gliding holiday with his father. It was thought that the aircraft's reinforced cockpit had saved the pilot's life and that using "MOGAS" / fuel designed for use in cars had effected the performance of the engine.

Tug Pilot - Mr Alistair Cook, aged 24, of Oxfordshire. Sustained shock and cuts to his leg.

Glider Pilot - Mr Nick Wood. He was the Yorkshire Gliding Club's assistant gliding instructor.

Glider Passenger - Mr James Robinson, aged 18, of Moffat, Scotland.