Incident Overview
A Piper PA-25 tow plane and a Blanik L-23 sailplane were involved in a collision on the runway after a glider towing operation. The tow plane had towed the glider to about 1,200 feet above ground level (AGL) west of the airport. After the glider released, the tow pilot returned to the airstrip and entered a right traffic pattern from the east to land on the powered runway (runway 36).
Sequence of Events
The glider pilot, failing to find expected lift, entered a left downwind for landing on the parallel sailplane runway (runway 36). Another sailplane was ahead, so the Blanik pilot extended the downwind turn to base. When turning base leg, the glider was farther from the runway and lower than normal. At that time, the PA-25 was on its base leg for the powered runway. Because the Blanik was lower than expected and the other glider had just landed, the Blanik pilot decided to land on the powered runway, which could be used by gliders in emergencies.
Collision
The PA-25 pilot reported not seeing the Blanik in front and below the tow plane. As the Blanik touched down, the PA-25 landed on top of it, straddling the glider until both aircraft came to a stop. Both aircraft were owned and operated by the same sailplane soaring association. Neither aircraft was equipped with a radio.