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September 21, 2013 · Grob G 103 TWIN II · N54554

Morgan, UT

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
September 21, 2013
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Morgan, UT
Aircraft
Grob G 103 TWIN II
Tail Number
N54554
Operator
Daniel R Thirkill
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
WPR13CA418

When the student pilot realized his glider was high on final approach, he lowered the nose and deployed the spoilers, which increased the rate of descent and airspeed in excess of what was required. After the flight instructor had the student close the spoilers, the glider encountered turbulence and a sink rate that put them at a low approach altitude, about 150 feet above ground level. The flight instructor then took control and performed an off-airport landing. During the touchdown the glider impacted a large shrub bush with its right wing, slid sideways through a second bush, and then completed a 270-degree turn before coming to rest upright. The impact with the shrub resulted in substantial damage to the leading edge of the right wing. The flight instructor reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the glider that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB Probable Cause

An incorrect descent rate while on final approach as a result of the flight instructor's delayed remedial action, which lead to an off-field landing and impact with terrain.

Full Narrative

When the student pilot realized his altitude was high on final approach he lowered the nose and deployed the spoilers, which increased the rate of descent and airspeed in excess of what was required. After the flight instructor had the student close the spoilers, the glider encountered turbulence and a sink rate that put them at a low approach altitude, about 150 feet above ground level. The flight instructor then took control and performed an off-airport landing. During the touchdown the glider impacted a large shrub bush with its right wing, slid sideways through a second bush, and then completed a 270-degree turn before coming to rest upright. The impact with the shrub resulted in substantial damage to the leading edge of the right wing. The flight instructor reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the glider that would have precluded normal operation.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time15:30 MDT
Nearest AirportMorgan County Airport (0nm NNE)
Runway21
Runway Length3904 ft
Runway Width50 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftGrob G 103 TWIN II
Tail NumberN54554
Aircraft CategoryGli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorDaniel R Thirkill
Operating RulePart 91
Engines0
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 57 · None · None
Crew 2Age 33 · None · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind12 kt, gusting 15 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C
Altimeter29.79 inHg
Observation Time17:30
Weather SourcePILO

Appendix: Source Data