BURKHART GROB FLUGZEUGBAU G103 TWIN ASTIR near Gregory, MI — 2026-06-03

Probable cause

The flight instructor’s improper planning during the simulated aborted launch which resulted in a touchdown on unsuitable terrain.

NTSB narrative

The flight instructor reported that while practicing an immediate landing after liftoff, with the student pilot at the flight controls, the glider landed past the end of the runway in tall grass on a downward sloping hill. The left wing lowered and the glider pivoted and came to rest in a muddy area. The rudder sustained substantial damage during the landing. The flight instructor reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the glider that would have precluded normal operation. The flight instructor remarked that in the future he would plan to terminate the tow earlier so there would be sufficient runway remaining to land on and brief whether the terrain beyond the runway was suitable for landings.

NTSB coding

• Glider tow event · Initial climb

Evidence available

• Photos
• 2 docket documents

Docket documents2

• PILOT/OPERATOR AIRCRAFT ACCIDENT REPORT, NTSB FORM 6120.1form
• PHOTOSphotos

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