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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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NTSB Report

July 19, 1994 · Burkhart Grob G103 · N38366

Tehachapi, CA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 19, 1994
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury), 1 uninjured
Location
Tehachapi, CA
Aircraft
Burkhart Grob G103
Tail Number
N38366
Operator
Skylark North
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
LAX94LA293

THE PILOT PLANNED TO GIVE THE PASSENGER A DEMONSTRATION FLIGHT IN THE GLIDER. THE OPERATOR REPORTED THAT THE REAR PORTION OF THE GLIDER'S CANOPY OPENED UP DURING TAKEOFF. THE PILOT RELEASED THE TOW LINE AND THEN LANDED AHEAD ON THE REMAINING RUNWAY. AFTER TOUCHDOWN, THE GLIDER GROUND LOOPED AND THE EMPENNAGE SEPARATED FROM THE FUSELAGE. THE GLIDER'S CANOPY LATCHING MECHANISM WAS SUBSEQUENTLY EXAMINED BY AN AIRCRAFT MECHANIC. THE LATCHING MECHANISM WAS FOUND IN WORKING ORDER.

NTSB Probable Cause

the pilot's failure to secure the canopy before takeoff, and his failure to maintain directional control during landing rollout.

Full Narrative

On July 19, 1994, at 1500 Pacific daylight time, a Grob G103, N38366, was substantially damaged during landing on runway 27R at the Mountain Valley Airport, Tehachapi, California. The commercial pilot was not injured during the demonstration flight, and the passenger received minor injuries. The flight was originating at the time of the accident. The flight school's operator reported to the National Transportation Safety Board that the glider was being towed behind a Piper PA-25-235, N7092Z, when the rear portion of the glider's canopy opened up during takeoff. The glider pilot released the tow line and then landed ahead on the remaining runway. After touchdown, the glider ground looped and the empennage separated from the fuselage. The flight school's operator further reported that during the pretakeoff ground check, the rear seated pilot was responsible for closing and locking his portion of the two-piece canopy. The glider's canopy latching mechanism was subsequently examined by an aircraft mechanic. The latching mechanism was found in working order.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time15:00 PDT
Nearest AirportMountain Valley (0nm)
Runway27R
Runway Length5190 ft
Runway Width60 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftBurkhart Grob G103
Tail NumberN38366
Aircraft CategoryGli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorSkylark North
Operating RulePart 91
Engine TypeUnknown
Engine DetailsUnknown
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury), 1 uninjured
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured1
Total2
Crew 1Age 67 · Second Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind270° @ 10 kt, gusting 15 kt
Visibility30 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO

Appendix: Source Data