Burkhart Grob Flugzeugbau G102 CLUB ASTIR IIIB N424BG accident near Highland, Illinois

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during takeoff which resulted in a collision with a parked vehicle.

NTSB 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.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN25LA340 for the full record.