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NTSB Report
May 10, 1992 · Burkhart Grob G-103 · N140BG
Ionia, MI
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 10, 1992
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Ionia, MI
Aircraft
Burkhart Grob G-103
Tail Number
N140BG
Operator
Benz Aviation
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CHI92LA143
THE GLIDER WAS IN THE INITIAL CLIMB PHASE FROM TAKEOFF AT AN ESTIMATED ALTITUDE OF 150-200' AGL WHEN THE CANOPY SUDDENLY UNLATCHED AND STRUCK THE RIGHT WING. THE CANOPY WAS STILL ATTACHED, AND THE PILOT ATTEMPTED TO CLOSE IT. THE PILOT REPORTED HE BECAME DISORIENTED IN RELATION TO THE TOW AIRPLANE WHILE ATTEMPTING TO CLOSE THE CANOPY, AND ELECTED TO PULL THE TOW RELEASE. ALTITUDE WAS INSUFFICIENT FOR A RETURN TO THE RUNWAY, AND AN OFF-AIRPORT SITE WAS SELECTED. THE GLIDER WAS SUBSTANTIALLY DAMAGED DURING THE LANDING IN A ROUGH FIELD. A POSTACCIDENT INSPECTION OF THE GLIDER DISCLOSED NO MECHANICAL DEFICIENCIES WITH THE CANOPY LATCHING MECHANISM.
NTSB Probable Cause
THE PILOT-IN-COMMAND'S IMPROPER PREFLIGHT AND DECISION TO CLOSE THE GLIDER'S CANOPY AT LOW ALTITUDE.
Full Narrative
THE GLIDER WAS IN THE INITIAL CLIMB PHASE FROM TAKEOFF AT AN ESTIMATED ALTITUDE OF 150-200' AGL WHEN THE CANOPY SUDDENLY UNLATCHED AND STRUCK THE RIGHT WING. THE CANOPY WAS STILL ATTACHED, AND THE PILOT ATTEMPTED TO CLOSE IT. THE PILOT REPORTED HE BECAME DISORIENTED IN RELATION TO THE TOW AIRPLANE WHILE ATTEMPTING TO CLOSE THE CANOPY, AND ELECTED TO PULL THE TOW RELEASE. ALTITUDE WAS INSUFFICIENT FOR A RETURN TO THE RUNWAY, AND AN OFF-AIRPORT SITE WAS SELECTED. THE GLIDER WAS SUBSTANTIALLY DAMAGED DURING THE LANDING IN A ROUGH FIELD. A POSTACCIDENT INSPECTION OF THE GLIDER DISCLOSED NO MECHANICAL DEFICIENCIES WITH THE CANOPY LATCHING MECHANISM.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time14:20 EDT
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftBurkhart Grob G-103
Tail NumberN140BG
Aircraft CategoryGli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorBenz Aviation
Operating RulePart 91
Engines0
Engine TypeUnknown
Engine DetailsUnknown
Seats2
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 59 · None
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind150° @ 5 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point57
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time18:50
Weather SourceWFAC