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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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May 24, 1998 · Burkhart Grob G-103 · N5448G

Cordele, GA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 24, 1998
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Cordele, GA
Aircraft
Burkhart Grob G-103
Tail Number
N5448G
Operator
Panos Kanes
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ATL98LA079

According to the pilot, he was flaring above the runway when the glider experienced an updraft and began a slight climb. In order to counteract the slight climb, the pilot added additional spoiler. The glider then came down hard on the runway and bounced back into the air. The glider continued to oscillate in this manner for three oscillations until the empennage separated from the fuselage. The glider then rolled off the runway and came to a stop.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's improper descent rate that led to a hard landing and porpoise, and his improper recovery from the ensuing bounced landing, resulting in the eventual separation of the empennage. A factor was the updraft.

Full Narrative

On May 24, 1998, at 1630 eastern daylight time, a Grob G-103, N5448G, executed a hard landing at Crisp County Airport, Cordele, Georgia. The personal flight was operated by the pilot under the provisions of Title 14 CFR Part 91, and visual flight rules. There was no flight plan for this local flight. Visual meteorological conditions existed at the time of the accident. The glider was substantially damaged, and the private pilot and passenger were not injured. The flight departed Crisp County Airport at 1545. According to the pilot, he was flaring above the runway when the glider experienced an updraft and began a slight climb. In order to counteract the slight climb, the pilot added additional spoiler. The glider then came down hard on the runway and bounced back into the air. The glider continued to oscillate in this manner for three oscillations until the empennage separated from the fuselage. The glider then rolled off the runway and came to a stop.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time16:30 EDT
Nearest AirportCrisp County - Cordele (1nm NE)
Runway5
Runway Length5007 ft
Runway Width100 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftBurkhart Grob G-103
Tail NumberN5448G
Aircraft CategoryGli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorPanos Kanes
Operating RulePart 91
Engine TypeUnknown
Engine DetailsUnknown
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 45 · Unknown

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind260° @ 28 kt
Visibility8 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point66 F
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time19:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data