BURKHART GROB FLUGZEUGBAU G102 CLUB ASTIR IIIB near Marion, OH — 2017-08-05

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to follow the before takeoff checklist, which resulted in an improper takeoff configuration and subsequent uncontrolled descent into terrain during a departure climb.

NTSB narrative

The pilot of the glider stated that he made a mistake during his before takeoff checks and forgot to latch the canopy. During takeoff and climb, he heard air noise in the cabin and attempted to check the canopy handle while still under tow. He stated that, after climbing a "few hundred feet," the canopy came open. While he was trying to close the canopy, he lost sight of the tow airplane, so he released the tow line and made a turn to the right. A witness reported that the glider's left and right wing spoilers were extended during the flight and were visible from the ground. The glider pilot released from the tow airplane around 150 to 200 ft above ground level (agl) and tried to make a 180° turn back to the runway with the spoilers still extended. The glider's wing clipped a tree and crashed in a bean field. The examination of the glider at the accident site revealed that the spoilers were found in the open, or deployed, position. With the spoilers deployed, the glider and tow airplane would be unable to climb normally. The canopy attachment pins and the surrounding composite material were torn from the fuselage at impact. The canopy attachment handle and bayonet pins showed proper operation. The damage to the canopy was consistent with it being in the latched position at impact. The pilot stated that the glider had no mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.

Analysis

Primary failure mode

Human factors

First missed decision gate

Pilot forgot to latch the canopy during preflight checks.

NTSB coding

• Glider tow event · Initial climb

Evidence available

• Photos
• 1 docket document

Docket documents1

• Investigation Photosphotos

Related mishaps

• BURKHART GROB FLUGZEUGBAU G103 TWIN ASTIR

  2026-06-03 · Gregory, MI

• SCHWEIZER SGS 2-33A

  2021-08-15 · North Springfield, VT

• Grob G103

  2019-08-22 · San Antonio, TX

• Schweizer SGS233

  2018-08-05 · Churchville, MD

• AB SPORTINE AVIACIJA LAK 17

  2017-08-02 · Uvalde, TX

• SLINGSBY CAPSTAN TYPE 49B

  2011-07-15 · Hollywood, MD · 1 fatality