BURKHART GROB FLUGZEUGBAU G103 TWIN ASTIR
Marana, AZ — April 24, 2016
Event Information
| Date | April 24, 2016 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | GAA16CA205 |
| Event ID | 20160426X70224 |
| Location | Marana, AZ |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 32.26500, -111.12361 |
| Airport | EL TIRO |
| Highest Injury | MINR |
Aircraft
| Make | BURKHART GROB FLUGZEUGBAU |
| Model | G103 TWIN ASTIR |
| Category | GLI |
| FAR Part | 091 |
| Aircraft Damage | SUBS |
Conditions
| Light Condition | DAYL |
| Weather | VMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 0 |
| Serious | 0 |
| Minor | 1 |
| None | 1 |
| Total Injured | 1 |
Event Location
Probable Cause
The glider's loss of lift as a result of unfavorable wind conditions for glider operations, consequently resulting in a collision with trees.
Full Narrative
According to the pilot, while maneuvering the glider about 2,900 feet above ground level, the pilot determined that the wind conditions were not conducive to sustain flight and turned toward the runway in order to establish an approach. He recalled that while maneuvering toward the runway, he encountered downdrafts and began to lose altitude rapidly. He reported that he issued a mayday call about ¾ of a statute mile from the runway, established a nose up attitude to decrease the airspeed, and the glider impacted the trees. The glider sustained substantial damage to the right wing and fuselage.
The pilot reported that there were no mechanical failures or anomalies with the glider prior to or during the flight that would have prevented normal flight operation.
About This NTSB Record
This aviation event was investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). NTSB investigates all U.S. civil aviation accidents to determine probable cause and issue safety recommendations to prevent future accidents.