15 Jun 2017: BURKHART GROB G103C TWIN II AC — Boerne, TX

No fatalitiesBoerne, TX, United States

A Grob G103C glider struck a perimeter fence and slid into a culvert during an approach to landing.

What happened

On June 15, 2017, a Burkhart Grob G103C glider, registration N103GH, was on final approach for landing in Boerne, Texas. While approximately 100 feet above the ground, a sink rate began to develop. The flight instructor took control of the aircraft and closed the spoilers in an attempt to correct the descent.

Despite these actions, the aircraft struck the airport perimeter fence and landed short of the runway. Following the impact, the glider slid into a culvert. There were no injuries resulting from the accident, though the aircraft sustained substantial damage to the empennage.

The investigation

The investigation noted that the flight instructor did not submit the required NTSB Form 6120.1 Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident/Incident Report.

Probable cause

The accident was caused by the student pilot's failure to maintain an appropriate glidepath and the flight instructor's delayed response in taking corrective action, leading to the glider undershooting the runway.

Contributing factors

Causes

Descent/approach/glide path — Not attained/maintainedStudent/instructed pilotInstructor/check pilot

Other contributing factors

Effect on operationContributed to outcome