What happened
Earlier that day, at approximately 0930, the pilot received a prerecorded weather briefing indicating that VFR flight was not recommended because of an expected frontal passage scheduled for that afternoon. The pilot had been transported in a tow plane to another airport to retrieve a Club glider.
After performing a preflight inspection, the tow plane departed at approximately 1625 with the glider in tow. Upon reaching the destination airport, the glider pilot released from the tow plane and established a downwind pattern for runway 22. While on a right base leg for runway 22, the pilot encountered a downdraft. Realizing the aircraft would not reach runway 22, the pilot executed a steep right turn to attempt a landing on runway 31.
During this maneuver, the pilot was unable to level the wings despite using full left aileron, causing the right wing to strike the ground. A witness observed the glider flying the base leg on the far side of runway 31 and noted that the aircraft developed a sink rate when turning final. The pilot estimated winds were from 230 degrees at 15 knots, gusting to 20 knots. The pilot had logged a total of 1 hour and 27 minutes in gliders over the previous 5-1/2 months, including only 2 landings.