# NTSB NYC83LA135: Burkhart Grob 109, N903BG, Finleyville, PA, June 5, 1983

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: June 5, 1983, 17:30 local (21:30 UTC)
- Place: Finleyville, PA
- Coordinates: 40.119598, -80.409111 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=40.1196&lon=-80.4091&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 1 serious, 1 minor
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 35197
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=NYC83LA135
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/35197/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC83LA135

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - on ground/water, takeoff - roll/run
  - directional control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - ground loop/swerve - inadvertent, pilot in command (contributing factor)
- On ground/water encounter with terrain/water, takeoff - roll/run
  - terrain condition - high vegetation (contributing factor)
- Forced landing, landing - flare/touchdown
- In flight collision with object, landing - flare/touchdown
  - object - tree(s) (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE MOTORIZED GLIDER COLLIDED WITH TREES AND THE TERRAIN DURING AN EMERGENCY LANDING AFTER THE PROP HAD STRUCK THE GROUND DURING TAKEOFF. DURING THE TAKEOFF ROLL THE PROPELLER 1ST COLLIDED WITH HIGH GRASS AND THEN A BUMP IN THE GROUND AFTER THE PILOT LOST DIRECTIONAL CONTROL AND VEERED OFF THE MOWED RUNWAY. THE TAKEOFF WAS CONTINUED AND AFTER TAKEOFF THE AIRCRAFT WAS TURNED DOWNWIND FOR A LANDING. THE PROPELLER VIBRATED EXCESSIVELY AS THE TURN WAS MADE AND THE PILOT SHUT THE ENGINE DOWN AND FEATHERED THE PROP AT ABOUT 100 FEET AGL WHILE OVER THE HANGERS. WHILE LINING UP WITH THE RUNWAY THE ACFT COLLIDED WITH TREES WHICH STALLED THE GLIDER AND IT NOSED INTO THE GROUND.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N903BG](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N903BG), registered now, S/N 6095, built 1982 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: Burkhart Grob 109
- Registry model: [Burkhart Grob Flugzeugbau G109](https://openairdocs.org/model/burkhart-grob-flugzeugbau-g109) (registry code 1660204) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Amateur-built UNKNOWN ENG](https://openairdocs.org/engine/amateur-built-unknown-eng) (registry code 99999) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Glider
- Serial number: 6095
- Airframe hours: 74
- Engines: LIMBACH L-2000EB1A reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Berri Powers Plus Two Others
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Unknown, December 13, 1982, 0 hours before
- Flight plan: Unknown
- Airport: GO5, Findleyville

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 50; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 573 total, 22 in this make and model, 505 as pilot in command, 15 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 225° at 9 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Temperature: 81 °F, dew point 54 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg

## 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 19830605026049A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19830605026049A), Jun 5, 1983: Grob G109, Finleyville, PA, Substantial damage. Wheel hit patch of tall grass on takeoff. Caused prop strike. Shut off engine due to vibration. Hit trees returning

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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