FTW98LA301

Factual narrative

On July 5, 1998, at 1415 central daylight time, a Burkhart Grob G103 Twin II glider, N103GG, owned and operated by Refugio Soaring Circle, Inc., of Refugio, Texas, was substantially damaged by a ground loop during an emergency landing near Refugio, Texas. The private pilot and his passenger were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and a flight plan was not filed for the 14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 91 personal flight. The local flight was originating from the Refugio Field Airport at the time of the accident. The pilot, who was seated in the aft seat of the 2-place glider, reported that during the initial takeoff climb from runway 14, while the glider was about 150 to 200 feet above the ground, the canopy for the rear canopy became opened. The pilot added that he released the towline and attempted to return to the runway. During the ensuing landing, the glider "ground looped," striking its right wing on the ground. The pilot further reported that the left and right wings, fuselage, and tail were "badly bent." The pilot also reported that he "forgot to latch the canopy" prior to takeoff. During takeoff climb from runway 14, about 150 to 200 feet above the ground, the rear canopy of the glider opened. The pilot released the towline and attempted to return to the runway. During the ensuing landing, the glider 'ground looped,' striking its right wing on the ground. The pilot reported that he forgot to latch the canopy prior to takeoff. Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database (Pre-2008 Archive) Retrieved: 2026-02-12