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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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NTSB Report

July 5, 1998 · Burkhart Grob G103 TWIN II G103 TWIN · N103GG

Refugio, TX

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 5, 1998
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Refugio, TX
Aircraft
Burkhart Grob G103 TWIN II G103 TWIN
Tail Number
N103GG
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
FTW98LA301

During takeoff climb from runway 14, about 150 to 200 feet above the ground, the rear canopy of the glider opened. The pilot released the towline and attempted to return to the runway. During the ensuing landing, the glider 'ground looped,' striking its right wing on the ground. The pilot reported that he forgot to latch the canopy prior to takeoff.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's inadvertent ground loop. A factor was the pilot's failure to follow procedures in securing the rear canopy, which resulted in the canopy opening in flight.

Full Narrative

On July 5, 1998, at 1415 central daylight time, a Burkhart Grob G103 Twin II glider, N103GG, owned and operated by Refugio Soaring Circle, Inc., of Refugio, Texas, was substantially damaged by a ground loop during an emergency landing near Refugio, Texas. The private pilot and his passenger were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and a flight plan was not filed for the 14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 91 personal flight. The local flight was originating from the Refugio Field Airport at the time of the accident. The pilot, who was seated in the aft seat of the 2-place glider, reported that during the initial takeoff climb from runway 14, while the glider was about 150 to 200 feet above the ground, the canopy for the rear canopy became opened. The pilot added that he released the towline and attempted to return to the runway. During the ensuing landing, the glider "ground looped," striking its right wing on the ground. The pilot further reported that the left and right wings, fuselage, and tail were "badly bent." The pilot also reported that he "forgot to latch the canopy" prior to takeoff.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time14:15 CDT
Nearest AirportRooke Field Airport (0nm)
Runway14
Runway Length3275 ft
Runway Width60 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftBurkhart Grob G103 TWIN II G103 TWIN
Tail NumberN103GG
Aircraft CategoryGli
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engine TypeUnknown
Engine DetailsUnknown

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 78 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind135° @ 10 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO

Appendix: Source Data