N54554 – GROB G 103 TWIN II – 2013-09-21 NTSB Accident Report

On September 21, 2013, a Grob G 103 TWIN II (N54554) was involved in an incident near Morgan, UT. 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: An incorrect descent rate while on final approach as a result of the flight instructor's delayed remedial action, which lead to an off-field landing and impact with terrain.

When the student pilot realized his altitude was high on final approach he lowered the nose and deployed the spoilers, which increased the rate of descent and airspeed in excess of what was required. After the flight instructor had the student close the spoilers, the glider encountered turbulence and a sink rate that put them at a low approach altitude, about 150 feet above ground level. The flight instructor then took control and performed an off-airport landing. During the touchdown the glider impacted a large shrub bush with its right wing, slid sideways through a second bush, and then completed a 270-degree turn before coming to rest upright. The impact with the shrub resulted in substantial damage to the leading edge of the right wing.

This incident is documented in NTSB report WPR13CA418. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N54554.