Burkhart Grob G-103-TWIN II N54553 accident, Lancaster, SC, Mar 22, 1997 · NTSB ATL97LA052

Probable cause

the pilot's improper use of the spoilers, while approaching to land, which allowed the glider to get low on final approach and strike trees. The pilot's lack of recent flying experience and lack of experience in the make and model of glider were related factors.

Sequence of events

NTSB’s coding before 2008: each occurrence and phase of flight, and the causes and factors under it. The codes are defined in NTSB’s coding manual.

In flight collision with objectApproach

Speed brakes - improper use ofPilot in commandCause

Lack of recent experiencePilot in commandFactor

Lack of total experience in type of aircraftPilot in commandFactor

Object - tree(s)Factor

Altitude/clearance - not maintainedPilot in commandCause

In flight collision with terrain/waterApproach

Analysis

After a normal flight, the pilot maneuvered the glider for landing at a gliderport. According to him, the pattern entry was normal, but his turn onto final approach was late, which made the glider low and slow to the 4,000 foot long runway. The pilot stated he 'landed' in 50 foot tall trees, 200 feet short of the runway. Witnesses indicated the glider's spoilers were extended, while on final approach. Damage to the glider also indicated that the spoilers were not retracted at the time of collision with the trees. The pilot did not recall the spoiler's position. He had flown three launches on the previous day with an instructor, but he had not flown during the winter, prior to that. Also, he had only about 3 hours of flight time in this make and model of glider.

Factual narrative

On March 22, 1997, about 1420 eastern standard time, a Burkhart Grob G-103-Twin II, N54553, collided with trees during the landing approach to runway 3 at the Bermuda High Gliderport, Lancaster, SC. The glider was operated by the pilot under the provisions of Title 14 CFR Part 91, and visual flight rules. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed. A flight plan was not filed for the local, personal flight. There were no injuries to the private pilot nor his passenger, and the glider was substantially damaged. Origination of the flight was Lancaster, about 55 minutes prior to the accident.

According to the pilot, the takeoff, tow, and flight were normal. The pattern entry was normal, including the altitude and speed. According to the pilot, he turned onto final late which made him low and slow to the 4,000 foot long runway. He stated he "landed" in 50 foot tall trees, 200 feet short of the runway.

Witnesses indicated that the spoilers were deployed while the glider was on the final approach. Damage to the glider also indicated that the spoilers were not retracted at the time of collision with trees. The pilot indicated he did not recall the spoilers being deployed. The pilot had flown three launches the previous day with an instructor. He had not flown during the winter, prior to that.

Aircraft

Registration: N54553
Reported as: Burkhart Grob G-103-TWIN II (G-103-TWIN)
Category: Glider
Serial number: 3872
Airframe hours: 1,501
Engine: unknown
Damage: Substantial damage
Flight: Personal · Part 91
Operator: Mark C. Baur
Registered owner: Bell Aviation, Inc.
Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
Last inspection: 100 hour · March 16, 1996 · 74 hours before
Departed: SC79
Airport: SC79 · Bermuda High Gliderport, runway 3, 4,000 × 200 ft, grass/turf

N54553Registration cancelled Mar 30, 2004 · Burkhart Grob/Trampus G 103 TWIN IIS/N 3872-K-113-1 Airframe modelBurkhart Grob/Trampus G 103 TWIN II

Matched to the registry by N-number and the event date; the registry’s history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

Role: Pilot
Age: 42
Certificates: Flight instructor, Commercial
Airplane ratings: Single-engine land, Multi-engine land
Instrument ratings: Airplane
Medical: Class 2, Valid Medical--no waivers/lim.
Seat: Rear
Flight hours: 3,600 total · 3 in this make and model · 3,300 as pilot in command · 44 in the last 90 days · 6 in the last 30 days · 2 in the last 24 hours

Weather

Conditions: Visual (VMC) · Day
Wind: 320° at 18 knots, gusting 25
Visibility: 25 statute miles
Lowest ceiling: None
Temperature: 79 °F, dew point 36 °F
Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
Observed at: CLT, 85 nm away

FAA reports on this event · 1

The FAA’s own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date.

Accident 19970322003409AGrob G103ATWINII · Lancaster, SCAircraft landed short of runway in the trees. (-23) the pilot stated he allowed the aircraft to get low and slow on final approach. He impacted the trees about 300 ft. short of the 400 ft. grass runway.Mar 22, 1997 · N54553 · Destroyed