Accident Details
The pilot, who was undergoing transition training from powered aircraft to gliders, had completed three dual flights in glider N2885H on the morning of the accident with an instructor on board. The Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) then authorized the pilot to fly his first solo flight.
Sequence of Events
After takeoff, an observer saw the glider make what he considered a normal base leg, followed by a flat skidding turn to final. The glider overshot the extended centerline of the approach end of Runway 15. The pilot then executed steep S-turns back towards the runway. During this maneuver, the left wing struck a tree, followed by the right wing, and the aircraft cartwheeled to the ground.
Aircraft Information
The aircraft involved was a glider with registration N2885H. No further details about the aircraft type or damage were provided in the source.