Incident Overview
A glider-rated student pilot, receiving dual transition instruction, was conducting touch-and-go landings. On the fourth approach, the instructor noted that the airplane was low but not dangerously so, and instructed the student to add power. The instructor observed orange marker balls on powerlines but believed the airplane had cleared them. The airplane subsequently severed two powerlines, landed short of the runway, struck a dirt bank, and overturned.
Aircraft and Runway Information
Runway 9 was equipped with low-intensity runway lights and did not have a Visual Approach Slope Indicator (VASI). No further details about the aircraft type, registration, engine count, or operator were provided in the source.
Sequence of Events
The student pilot was performing touch-and-go landings as part of dual transition training. On the fourth approach, the instructor perceived the airplane's altitude as low but assessed it as not dangerous. The instructor told the student to add power. Seeing the orange marker balls on the powerlines, the instructor believed the airplane had cleared them. However, the airplane struck and severed two powerlines, landed short of the runway, impacted a dirt bank, and overturned.
Injuries and Damage
The source does not specify any injuries to occupants or the extent of damage to the aircraft beyond the severed powerlines, landing short, and overturning.
Probable Cause
The source does not provide a stated probable cause for this incident.