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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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October 24, 1998 · Burkhart Grob G103-TWINA · N4446T

Saratoga Spring, NY

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
October 24, 1998
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Saratoga Spring, NY
Aircraft
Burkhart Grob G103-TWINA
Tail Number
N4446T
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
NYC99LA017

The purpose of the flight was to conduct a local area glider flight. The glider departed the airport, and released from the tow-plane at 3,000 feet MSL. The pilot looked for thermals, but found none. He remained within 2 miles of the airport then decided to abort the flight due to insufficient lift. The pilot made a left downwind entry at 800 feet above the ground, turned base, then final. While on final, the pilot had his hands full just to keep the glider lined-up with the runway because of turbulence. The glider touched down at the intended touchdown point, but bounced back into the air. After the first bounce, the pilot was focusing on maintaining runway alignment that the glider began to oscillate. After contacting the runway a total of four times, the pilot was able to regain control of the glider and complete the landing. An after landing inspection revealed substantial damage to the tail wheel, and tail section of the glider.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to maintain control of the glider while landing.

Full Narrative

On October 24, 1998, at 1600 eastern standard time, a Grob G103-Twina, N4446T, was substantially damage during landing at Saratoga County Airport (5B2), Saratoga Springs, New York. The certificated private pilot and passenger were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan had been filed for the personal flight conducted under 14 CFR Part 91. The pilot stated that the purpose of the flight was to conduct a local area glider flight. He estimated the winds at the time of the accident were 270 degrees magnetic at 10 to 15 knots, and that the sky was clear. The pilot departed 5B2 about 1535 from Runway 23, and released from the tow-plane at 3,000 feet MSL. The pilot stated he looked for thermals, but found none, and that he remained within 2 miles of the airport until about 1550, when he decided to abort the flight due to insufficient lift. After deciding to abort the flight, he positioned himself on a left downwind at 800 feet above the ground for Runway 23. From downwind, he turned base, and then final. According to the pilot, it was the last flight of the day, so he planned to land long. It was club policy for the pilots to land long on the last flight of the day, because the glider was tied down at the departure end of Runway 23. The pilot stated that while on final, he had his hands full just to keep the glider lined-up with the runway, and that the ride was very "bouncy." According to the pilot, he carried approximately 10 knots of extra airspeed while on final because of the turbulence. He did not recall his exacted speed, but estimated it to be about 70 knots. The pilot added that the glider touched down at the intended touchdown point, but bounced back into the air. He stated that after the first bounce, he was focusing on maintaining runway alignment that the glider started to oscillate from "Pilot Induced Oscillation." After contacting the runway a total of four times, the pilot was able to regain control of the glider and complete the landing. The pilot estimated that from initial runway contact until he regained control, was approximately 500 feet. The pilot inspected the glider, and found the tail wheel crushed into the tail of the glider. He also observed several cracks in the tail that penetrated the gel-coat and underlying fiber glass.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time16:00 EDT
Nearest AirportSaratoga County (0nm)
Runway23
Runway Length4700 ft
Runway Width100 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftBurkhart Grob G103-TWINA
Tail NumberN4446T
Aircraft CategoryGli
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engine TypeUnknown
Engine DetailsUnknown
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 55 · Unknown

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind280° @ 6 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point64 F / 45 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time19:51
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data