Accident Sequence
During a winch tow, a glider's left-side bridle attachment point separated from the fuselage as the tow began. This created an asymmetrical force that pulled the glider to the left. The left wing subsequently collided with a parked truck. Still under tow on only the right side and accelerating, the glider then veered sharply away from the runway toward a windsock pole. The glider launched into the air and struck the top of the windsock pole with the inboard portion of the right wing. The pilot reported pulling the release to disconnect the tow wire after the impact.
Following the release, the right wingtip contacted the ground, causing the glider to swing approximately 270 degrees. The fuselage and tail then struck the ground, and the glider came to a stop.
The glider was fitted with two attachment points on its bridle, one on each side of the fuselage, and a single retractable wheel centered under the fuselage.
Probable Cause
According to an FAA inspector, the bridle was incorrectly attached at the time of the accident by the ground crew.