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NTSB Report
July 13, 1987 · Burkhart Grob G-103A · N103BG
Maricopa, AZ
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 13, 1987
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (2 minor injuries)
Location
Maricopa, AZ
Aircraft
Burkhart Grob G-103A
Tail Number
N103BG
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
LAX87LA287
THE PLT RPRTD THAT AFTER GLIDING IN A SINK FOR SVRL MINUTES, HE BEGAN FLYING ABOUT 500' ABOVE A NORTH-SOUTH MTN RIDGE IN SEARCH OF LIFT. WHILE ON A NORTHERLY HEADING, THE LEFT WING ROSE & THE PLT INTERPRETED THIS AS LIFT. HE TURNED TO THE LEFT (WEST) WHICH PUT THE GLIDER ON THE LEE SIDE OF THE RIDGE. THE GLIDER THEN ENTERED A SINK & WENT BELOW THE RIDGE LINE. THE PLT TRADED ALT FOR SPEED AS HE HEADED TOWARD THE SAILPORT. RPRTDLY, THE GLIDER WAS TRAVELING AT ABOUT 100 KTS WHEN A WING HIT A TALL (TREE LIKE) CACTUS & THEN THE GLIDER CRASHED. ABOUT 15 MI AWAY AT PHOENIX, THE WIND WAS FROM 120 DEG AT 6 KTS.
Full Narrative
THE PLT RPRTD THAT AFTER GLIDING IN A SINK FOR SVRL MINUTES, HE BEGAN FLYING ABOUT 500' ABOVE A NORTH-SOUTH MTN RIDGE IN SEARCH OF LIFT. WHILE ON A NORTHERLY HEADING, THE LEFT WING ROSE & THE PLT INTERPRETED THIS AS LIFT. HE TURNED TO THE LEFT (WEST) WHICH PUT THE GLIDER ON THE LEE SIDE OF THE RIDGE. THE GLIDER THEN ENTERED A SINK & WENT BELOW THE RIDGE LINE. THE PLT TRADED ALT FOR SPEED AS HE HEADED TOWARD THE SAILPORT. RPRTDLY, THE GLIDER WAS TRAVELING AT ABOUT 100 KTS WHEN A WING HIT A TALL (TREE LIKE) CACTUS & THEN THE GLIDER CRASHED. ABOUT 15 MI AWAY AT PHOENIX, THE WIND WAS FROM 120 DEG AT 6 KTS.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time15:30 MST
Nearest AirportEstrella Sailport (4nm NW)
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftBurkhart Grob G-103A
Tail NumberN103BG
Aircraft CategoryGli
DamageDestroyed
Operating RulePart 91
Engines0
Engine TypeUnknown
Engine DetailsUnknown
Seats2
People & Injuries
Injury Summary2 injuries (2 minor injuries)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor2
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 34 · None
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind120° @ 6 kt
Visibility50 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point10 C / 63 F
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time21:48
Weather SourceWFAC