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