Incident Details
A glider struck wires while on final approach to a field selected for a forced landing. The pilot reported being towed to an altitude of 5,000 feet MSL, approximately 3,500 feet AGL. Upon release, the glider encountered a downdraft exceeding 500 feet per minute. The pilot was only able to remain airborne for six to seven minutes.
Sequence of Events
After release, the pilot turned the glider toward the airport. When it became apparent that the glider could not reach the airport, the pilot selected a field for a forced landing. On final approach, the pilot observed wires and attempted to fly under them. The aircraft's vertical stabilizer struck the wires, causing damage to the stabilizer and the rudder.
Damage
The glider sustained damage to the vertical stabilizer and rudder as a result of the wire strike.