Incident Details
Witnesses observed the glider approaching the runway in a manner they described as too high, too fast, and in a crab. As the glider crossed over the runway, it was seen to roll into a right turn while the nose pitched up. Shortly after this maneuver, the right wing of the glider struck three parked aircraft before it collided with the terrain.
Pilot Statements
During an interview on the evening of the accident, the pilot stated that because of the high and fast approach, he attempted to execute a right 270-degree turn with the intention of landing to the north. In a written statement submitted on June 25, 1984, the pilot referred to control inputs from the passenger seated in the front seat. He attributed the abnormal approach and an uncommanded nose-high attitude just before the collision with the parked glider to these inputs.
Pilot Experience
The pilot's logbook indicated he had accumulated 3 hours of flight time in the specific make and model of glider involved in the accident. He reported to investigators that he had flown similar gliders in the late 1960s and had approximately 3.5 total hours in that type of aircraft. Additionally, he told investigators that he was accustomed to flying another glider that featured 90-degree flaps, which allowed for steeper approaches and more rapid descents.