# NTSB FTW98LA301: Burkhart Grob G103 Twin II, N103GG, Refugio, TX, July 5, 1998

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: July 5, 1998, 14:15 local (19:15 UTC)
- Place: Refugio, TX
- Coordinates: 28.30018, -97.270881 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=28.3002&lon=-97.2709&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report January 28, 2000
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 20672
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW98LA301
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/20672/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW98LA301

## Probable cause

The pilot's inadvertent ground loop.  A factor was the pilot's failure to follow procedures in securing the rear canopy, which resulted in the canopy opening in flight.

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- Miscellaneous/other, takeoff - initial climb
  - window,canopy - not secured (contributing factor)
  - procedures/directives - not followed, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - window,canopy - open
- In flight collision with terrain/water, emergency landing after takeoff
  - altitude - inadequate
  - ground loop/swerve - inadvertent, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

During takeoff climb from runway 14, about 150 to 200 feet above the ground, the rear canopy of the glider opened.  The pilot released the towline and attempted to return to the runway.  During the ensuing landing, the glider 'ground looped,' striking its right wing on the ground.  The pilot reported that he forgot to latch the canopy prior to takeoff.

## Factual narrative

On July 5, 1998, at 1415 central daylight time, a Burkhart Grob G103 Twin II glider, N103GG, owned and operated by Refugio Soaring Circle, Inc., of Refugio, Texas,  was substantially damaged by a ground loop during an emergency landing near Refugio, Texas.  The private pilot and his passenger were not injured.  Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and a flight plan was not filed for the 14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 91 personal flight.  The local flight was originating from the Refugio Field Airport at the time of the accident.

The pilot, who was seated in the aft seat of the 2-place glider, reported that during the initial takeoff climb from runway 14, while the glider was about 150 to 200 feet above the ground, the canopy for the rear canopy became opened.  The pilot added that he released the towline and attempted to return to the runway.  During the ensuing landing, the glider "ground looped," striking its right wing on the ground.  The pilot further reported that the left and right wings, fuselage, and tail were "badly bent."

The pilot also reported that he "forgot to latch the canopy" prior to takeoff.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N103GG](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N103GG-2002-02-21), registration cancelled 2002-02-21, S/N 33903, built 1984 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: Burkhart Grob G103 TWIN II (G103 TWIN)
- Registry model: [Burkhart Grob G 103 TWIN II](https://openairdocs.org/model/burkhart-grob-g-103-twin-ii) (registry code 1660203) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [NONE](https://openairdocs.org/engine/none) (registry code 00000, none) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Glider
- Serial number: 33903
- Airframe hours: 1200
- Engines: unknown
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Rufugio Soaring Circle, Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Departed: RFG
- Airport: RFG, Rooke Field Airport, runway 14, 3,275 × 60 ft

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 78; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: rear; flight hours: 7,000 total, 400 in this make and model, 7,000 as pilot in command

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 135° at 10 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 95 °F

## FAA reports on this event (1)

The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs).

- [Accident 19980705015659A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19980705015659A), Jul 5, 1998: Grob G103ATWINII, Refugio, TX, Substantial damage. During glider tow at 150FT AGL the canopy opened. Released tow and tried return. Sepeated gar and tail landing. (.4) during takeoff climb from runway 14, about…

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

---
OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.