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March 22, 1997 · Burkhart Grob G-103-TWIN II G-103-TWIN · N54553

Lancaster, SC

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
March 22, 1997
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury), 1 uninjured
Location
Lancaster, SC
Aircraft
Burkhart Grob G-103-TWIN II G-103-TWIN
Tail Number
N54553
Operator
Mark C Baur
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ATL97LA052

After a normal flight, the pilot maneuvered the glider for landing at a gliderport. According to him, the pattern entry was normal, but his turn onto final approach was late, which made the glider low and slow to the 4,000 foot long runway. The pilot stated he 'landed' in 50 foot tall trees, 200 feet short of the runway. Witnesses indicated the glider's spoilers were extended, while on final approach. Damage to the glider also indicated that the spoilers were not retracted at the time of collision with the trees. The pilot did not recall the spoiler's position. He had flown three launches on the previous day with an instructor, but he had not flown during the winter, prior to that. Also, he had only about 3 hours of flight time in this make and model of glider.

NTSB Probable Cause

the pilot's improper use of the spoilers, while approaching to land, which allowed the glider to get low on final approach and strike trees. The pilot's lack of recent flying experience and lack of experience in the make and model of glider were related factors.

Full Narrative

On March 22, 1997, about 1420 eastern standard time, a Burkhart Grob G-103-Twin II, N54553, collided with trees during the landing approach to runway 3 at the Bermuda High Gliderport, Lancaster, SC. The glider was operated by the pilot under the provisions of Title 14 CFR Part 91, and visual flight rules. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed. A flight plan was not filed for the local, personal flight. There were no injuries to the private pilot nor his passenger, and the glider was substantially damaged. Origination of the flight was Lancaster, about 55 minutes prior to the accident. According to the pilot, the takeoff, tow, and flight were normal. The pattern entry was normal, including the altitude and speed. According to the pilot, he turned onto final late which made him low and slow to the 4,000 foot long runway. He stated he "landed" in 50 foot tall trees, 200 feet short of the runway. Witnesses indicated that the spoilers were deployed while the glider was on the final approach. Damage to the glider also indicated that the spoilers were not retracted at the time of collision with trees. The pilot indicated he did not recall the spoilers being deployed. The pilot had flown three launches the previous day with an instructor. He had not flown during the winter, prior to that.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time14:30 EST
Nearest AirportBermuda High Gliderport (1nm SSW)
Runway3
Runway Length4000 ft
Runway Width200 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftBurkhart Grob G-103-TWIN II G-103-TWIN
Tail NumberN54553
Aircraft CategoryGli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorMark C Baur
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 42 · Second Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind320° @ 18 kt, gusting 25 kt
Visibility25 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point36 C
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time19:51
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data