Burkhart Grob G103 TWIN ASTIR N153SS

Summary

On 4 August 2005 at about 21:15 local time, a Burkhart Grob G103 TWIN ASTIR registered N153SS was involved in an accident near Driggs, Idaho, United States. One person was on board and one died. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

4 August 2005 at 21:15

Classification

Accident

Location

Driggs, Idaho, United States

Nearest airport

Reed Memorial (U59)

Coordinates

43.7333, -111.0833

Aircraft

Burkhart Grob G103 TWIN ASTIR

Registration

N153SS

Category

Glider

Operator

Not recorded

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Personal

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Driggs → Unknown

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

SEA05LA164

1 person died.

The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control while maneuvering in the traffic pattern for landing. The pilot's failure to maintain a proper altitude was a factor.

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

Read the full NTSB narrative

The glider's tow plane pilot reported that during the pre-tow briefing, the glider pilot stated that he wanted to do three pattern tows and one high tow. The pilot then pulled the glider around to position for the takeoff tow. The tow plane pilot stated that shortly after 1500, he started the takeoff without any problems. The pilot flew a circling turn to the right and went to mid-field and made another right turn crossing the runway, and climbing to 1,200 feet above ground level (agl) for the release. The tow pilot then circled to land on runway 21. The tow pilot stated that as he was taxiing back he noticed the glider, no higher than 75 feet agl, pitch nose down. The tow pilot stated that the glider was too low and just before it hit the ground, it looked like the nose was starting to come up. The glider collided with the ground short of runway 21 in about a 45 degree nose down attitude. Post accident inspection of the wreckage did not disclose evidence of a mechanical failure or malfunction.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.