Probable cause
The unsuitable terrain for landing. Contributing to the accident were the pilot's encounter with turbulence and the loss of visual contact with the tow plane.
NTSB analysis
The glider encountered turbulence at approximately 200 feet above ground level. The glider gained altitude such that the pilot lost sight of the tow plane. The pilot decided to release the glider and attempt a right turn back to the airport to land. He stated, "the altitude was too low to complete the turn, so I leveled the wings and landed the glider off-field." Upon landing, the left wing contacted the terrain and the glider ground looped, resulting in substantial damage to the fuselage and horizontal stabilizer.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for DEN08CA056 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Feb 9, 2008
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Alamogordo, New Mexico
- Nearest airport
- Alamogordo-White Sands Regiona (ALM)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Burkhart Grob G-103A TWIN II ACRO
- N-number
- N223WP
- Category
- Glider
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.