Burkhart Grob G102 N3950B

Summary

On 9 September 1996 at about 19:55 local time, a Burkhart Grob G102 registered N3950B, operated by Sky Sailing, was involved in an accident near Warner Springs, California, United States. One person was on board and one had minor injuries. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

9 September 1996 at 19:55

Classification

Accident

Location

Warner Springs, California, United States

Nearest airport

Sky Sailing (CL35)

Coordinates

33.2793, -116.6001

Aircraft

Burkhart Grob G102

Registration

N3950B

Category

Glider

Operator

Sky Sailing

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Personal

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

LAX96LA330

1 person had minor injuries.

improper planning/decision by the pilot concerning a low altitude release to return to the airport after takeoff. Factors relating to the accident were: the pilot's inadequate preflight by failing to ensure that the yaw indicator string movement was free, when he closed the canopy; and the heavy sink (downdraft) that was encountered during the approach to land.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record. This site does not paraphrase or interpret it.

Read the full NTSB narrative

In preparation for an aero tow takeoff, the pilot closed and secured the glider's canopy, and the aero tow proceeded. During the initial climb, the pilot recognized that the glider's yaw indicator string was caught in the canopy and was therefore unusable. The pilot decided to make a precautionary landing. At about 500 feet above ground level, he released the towline and attempted to return to the airport. According to the pilot, during the approach, he encountered heavy sink. The glider collided with trees and terrain short of the runway.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.