Monday the 6th of October, 2025

NTSB Final Report: Burkhart Grob Flugzeugbau G102 Club Astir IIIB

As The Tow Progressed The Glider’s Left Wing Dropped To The Ground, And The Glider Began To Ground Loop

Location: Highland, Illinois Accident Number: CEN25LA340
Date & Time: August 24, 2025, 12:50 Local Registration: N424BG
Aircraft: Burkhart Grob Flugzeugbau G102 Club Astir IIIB Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Loss of control on ground Injuries: 1 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

Analysis: The pilot reported that the glider was preparing to take off and was connected to a tow airplane. As the tow began, the glider began to drift to the left due to a crosswind, and the glider moved out of position behind the towplane. As the tow progressed the glider’s left wing dropped to the ground, and the glider began to ground loop. The pilot released from the towplane and the right wing of the glider struck a parked golf cart. The glider received substantial damage to the right wing. The pilot stated that there were no mechanical anomalies with the glider that would have precluded normal operations.

Probable Cause and Findings: The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be -- The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during takeoff which resulted in a collision with a parked vehicle.

FMI: www.ntsb.gov

 

 

NTSB Final Report: Zodiac CH 650B

The Airplane Ballooned About 10 Ft Above The Runway When It Encountered A Wind Gust

Location: Sturgis, Michigan Accident Number: CEN25LA369
Date & Time: September 7, 2025, 10:20 Local Registration: N22LZ
Aircraft: Zodiac CH 650B Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Loss of control in flight Injuries: 1 Minor
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Flight test

Analysis: The pilot was conducting takeoffs and landings in the airplane at the time of the accident. According to the pilot, the initial takeoff and landing were completed without incident. The second takeoff was uneventful; however, on final approach for the second landing, the airplane ballooned about 10 ft above the runway when it encountered a wind gust. The pilot reported that he was late in initiating a go-around. The airplane bounced and then impacted on the nose landing gear resulting in the collapse. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the forward fuselage and right wing.

The pilot noted that the wind increased from about 4 knots at the beginning of the flight, to about 10 knots with gusts to 15 knots. He stated there were no failures or malfunctions associated with the airplane before the accident. He added that additional airspeed on approach during gusty wind conditions might have prevented the accident.

Probable Cause and Findings: The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be -- The pilot’s failure to maintain control while landing.

FMI: www.ntsb.gov

 

 

NTSB Final Report: Dyke Delta JD-2

While Landing With A Variable Tailwind The Airplane Touched Down About 2,500 Ft Down The Runway, Bounced, And Landed Hard

Location: Oshkosh, Wisconsin Accident Number: CEN25LA279
Date & Time: July 22, 2025, 14:32 Local Registration: N71AW
Aircraft: Dyke Delta JD-2 Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Loss of control in flight Injuries: 1 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Air race/show

Analysis: The pilot was flying in the Homebuilt Showcase during the EAA AirVenture air show. The pilot reported that while landing with a variable tailwind the airplane touched down about 2,500 ft down the runway, bounced, and landed hard. The pilot applied brakes, and the right main tire began to squeal. The airplane departed the landing surface to the left. The right main landing gear collapsed, the nose landing gear separated. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the engine mounts and the right wing. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operations.

Probable Cause and Findings: The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be -- The pilot’s failure to maintain control of the airplane while landing with a tailwind.

FMI: www.ntsb.gov