Aviation Accident Summaries

Aviation Accident Summary LAX89LA245

MARICOPA, AZ, USA

Aircraft #1

N925G

Burkhart Grob G-102

Analysis

THE GLIDER HAD JUST DEPARTED THE GLIDER PORT BEHIND A TOW PLANE. AT 200 FEET AGL, THE CANOPY SNAPPED OPEN AND THE TOW ROPE BROKE. THE PILOT MADE A 180 DEGREE TURN AND LANDED HARD ON THE DEPARTURE RUNWAY. THE PILOT STATED THE CANOPY WAS CLOSED AND LOCKED BEFORE HE STARTED THE TAKEOFF ROLL. AN FAA INSPECTOR INSPECTED THE CANOPY AND COULD FIND NOTHING WRONG WITH THE LOCKING MECHANISM.

Probable Cause and Findings

THE PILOT'S INABILITY TO MAINTAIN AIRSPEED, RESULTING IN A HARD LANDING. ALSO CAUSAL TO THE ACCIDENT WAS THE OPENING OF THE CANOPY FOR UNDETERMINED REASONS.

 

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

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