What happened
During a flight involving a glider and a tow aircraft, the pilot failed to confirm that the spoiler handle was secured in the retracted position before beginning the takeoff sequence. Shortly after the aircraft departed the ground, the spoilers deployed.
While in flight, the pilot did not monitor radio transmissions from the tow pilot or ground personnel, which contained warnings that the spoilers were extended. Because of this lack of communication, the pilot only noticed a decrease in airspeed and incorrectly assumed the tow aircraft was experiencing mechanical issues.
To alert the glider pilot to the configuration error, the tow pilot used rudder movements as a signal. This maneuver resulted in the glider releasing from the tow plane. Following the release, the glider entered a rapid descent. Upon realizing the spoilers were extended, the pilot attempted to retract them; however, the aircraft lacked sufficient altitude to return to the airport. The glider subsequently collided with a tree and came to rest within the foliage.