Incident Overview
On final approach to Runway 28, a glider (Schweizer SGS 2-32, registration N242DB) and a tow plane (Bellanca 7KCAB, registration N88314) collided in flight at an altitude of approximately 200 feet above ground level. The tow plane was returning from a local tow mission, while the glider was returning from a local sightseeing flight. After the collision, both aircraft landed safely.
Standard Procedures
Normal airport operations required that tow planes fly a large traffic pattern with a long final approach, while gliders were to fly a small pattern with a short final approach. All aircraft landing on Runway 28 were to use a right-hand traffic pattern.
Sequence of Events
The tow pilot reported seeing the glider as he was turning onto a long final approach. At that time, he estimated the glider to be at 1,100 feet AGL and about half a mile away in the tow plane's 7:30 position. As the tow plane continued on final approach at 65 mph, the glider converged from above and behind. Subsequently, the nose of the glider struck the vertical stabilizer of the tow plane. The glider pilot reported not seeing the tow plane until the moment before impact.
Damage
The collision resulted in substantial damage to the tow plane's vertical stabilizer. The glider sustained only minor damage.