# NTSB LAX87LA287: Burkhart Grob G-103A, N103BG, Maricopa, AZ, July 13, 1987

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: July 13, 1987, 15:30 local (22:30 UTC)
- Place: Maricopa, AZ
- Location: 33.0581° N, 112.0476° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Maricopa, AZ, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=33.0581&lon=-112.0476&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 2 minor
- Status: Completed, report March 31, 1989
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 25654
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX87LA287
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/25654/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX87LA287

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, maneuvering
  - in-flight planning/decision - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - weather condition - turbulence (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - downdraft (contributing factor)
  - object - tree(s) (contributing factor)
  - clearance - misjudged, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

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.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N103BG](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N103BG-1989-09-13), registration cancelled 1989-09-13, S/N 33954K187 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: BURKHART GROB G-103A
- Registry model: [Burkhart Grob G-103A TWIN II ACRO](https://openairdocs.org/model/burkhart-grob-g-103a-twin-ii-acro) (registry code 1660206) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Glider
- Serial number: 33954 K-187
- Airframe hours: 1912
- Engines: unknown
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Arizona Soaring Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Aerobatic; Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: 100 hour, July 16, 1987, 20 hours before
- Departed: E68, MARICOPA, AZ
- Airport: E-68, Estrella Sailport

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 34; private; seat: front; flight hours: 103 total, 76 in this make and model, 67 as pilot in command, 28 in the last 90 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 120° at 6 knots
- Visibility: 50 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 102 °F, dew point 63 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: PHX, 15 nm away

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.

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