ATL97LA052

Factual narrative

On March 22, 1997, about 1420 eastern standard time, a Burkhart Grob G-103-Twin II, N54553, collided with trees during the landing approach to runway 3 at the Bermuda High Gliderport, Lancaster, SC. The glider was operated by the pilot under the provisions of Title 14 CFR Part 91, and visual flight rules. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed. A flight plan was not filed for the local, personal flight. There were no injuries to the private pilot nor his passenger, and the glider was substantially damaged. Origination of the flight was Lancaster, about 55 minutes prior to the accident. According to the pilot, the takeoff, tow, and flight were normal. The pattern entry was normal, including the altitude and speed. According to the pilot, he turned onto final late which made him low and slow to the 4,000 foot long runway. He stated he "landed" in 50 foot tall trees, 200 feet short of the runway. Witnesses indicated that the spoilers were deployed while the glider was on the final approach. Damage to the glider also indicated that the spoilers were not retracted at the time of collision with trees. The pilot indicated he did not recall the spoilers being deployed. The pilot had flown three launches the previous day with an instructor. He had not flown during the winter, prior to that. After a normal flight, the pilot maneuvered the glider for landing at a gliderport. According to him, the pattern entry was normal, but his turn onto final approach was late, which made the glider low and slow to the 4,000 foot long runway. The pilot stated he 'landed' in 50 foot tall trees, 200 feet short of the runway. Witnesses indicated the glider's spoilers were extended, while on final approach. Damage to the glider also indicated that the spoilers were not retracted at the time of collision with the trees. The pilot did not recall the spoiler's position. He had flown three launches on the previous day with an instructor, but he had not flown during the winter, prior to that. Also, he had only about 3 hours of flight time in this make and model of glider. Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database (Pre-2008 Archive) Retrieved: 2026-02-12