Accident Details
During a glider tow takeoff, the pilot did not verify that the spoiler handle was locked in the retracted position. As a result, the spoilers were not locked and deployed shortly after the glider became airborne. The pilot did not hear radio transmissions from the tow pilot and ground personnel, who were informing him that his spoilers were extended.
Flight and Descent
The pilot noticed the glider was flying slowly and initially thought the tow aircraft was experiencing problems. When the tow pilot moved the rudder to signal the glider pilot about the extended spoilers, the glider pilot released from the tow plane. The glider then descended rapidly, and at that point the pilot realized the spoilers were extended. He retracted the spoilers, but the glider had lost too much altitude to return to the airport.
Collision
The glider collided with a tree and came to rest in the tree.