Summary
On May 20, 1994, a Burkhart Grob BG 103 (N140BG) was involved in an incident near Ionia, MI. All 2 people aboard were uninjured. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.
The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this incident to be: A hard landing as a result of the early disconnect of the glider launch/tow equipment.
On May 20, 1994, about 1257 eastern daylight time, a Burkhart Grob BG 103, N140BG, sustained substantial damage in an off-airport landing near Ionia, Michigan. During the takeoff sequence, the tow airplane lost engine power, and the tow plane pilot disconnected the glider. Both the airplane and the glider landed in a field near the airport. The tow airplane was not damaged. The sightseeing glider flight originated at the Ionia County Airport. Neither the commercial pilot nor the passenger were injured.
The pilot of the glider stated he landed in a nose-down attitude, the glider bounced back into the air approximately 10-15 feet, and touched down a second time striking the tail before the landing gear touched the ground.
This incident is documented in NTSB report CHI94LA165. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N140BG.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
a hard landing as a result of the early disconnect of the glider launch/tow equipment.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
Analysis
On May 20, 1994, about 1257 eastern daylight time, a Burkhart Grob BG 103, N140BG, sustained substantial damage in an off-airport landing near Ionia, Michigan. During the takeoff sequence, the tow airplane lost engine power, and the tow plane pilot disconnected the glider. Both the airplane and the glider landed in a field near the airport. The tow airplane was not damaged. The sightseeing glider flight originated at the Ionia County Airport. Neither the commercial pilot nor the passenger were injured.
The pilot of the glider stated he landed in a nose-down attitude, the glider bounced back into the air approximately 10-15 feet, and touched down a second time striking the tail before the landing gear touched the ground.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# CHI94LA165