Pilot Debrief

BURKHART GROB FLUGZEUGBAU G103 TWIN ASTIR near Zephyrhills, FL — 2024-01-25

Final reportERA24LA098
Sign in to save
Date
2024-01-25
Location
Zephyrhills, FL, USA
Airport
ZPH
Aircraft
BURKHART GROB FLUGZEUGBAU G103 TWIN ASTIR
Registration
N1202Z
Category
Glider
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The glider pilot’s failure to release from the towline after the tow plane experienced a loss of engine power.

NTSB narrative

The tow plane and glider on tow had just lifted from the runway during takeoff when the tow plane experienced a loss of engine power. The tow plane landed straight-ahead on the runway. The glider continued in flight until it reached the limit of the tow rope and was pulled suddenly to the runway. The glider’s nose was crushed and the empennage separated. Examination of both the tow plane and the glider revealed no preimpact mechanical anomalies. A postaccident operational check of the airplane’s engine revealed no anomalies, and the tow release mechanism on the glider functioned normally. According to the FAA Glider Flying Handbook, “Upon losing sight of the towplane, the glider pilot must release immediately.” Further, “…if the towplane loses power after the glider is airborne, the glider pilot should pull the towline release, [and] land ahead…”

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Video
  • Photos
  • 5 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents5

Related mishaps