Incident Overview
A Cessna and a glider collided while both were on final approach to runway 13. The pilot of the Cessna reported entering the traffic pattern on a left downwind for runway 13, where he observed the glider on the upwind leg. After turning left base and final, and announcing those legs, the Cessna pilot felt an impact while at an altitude of about 500 feet on final approach. He continued the approach and landed without further incident.
The glider pilot reported that after release from the tow, the glider descended to traffic pattern altitude and entered a left downwind, left base, and final approach, announcing all legs. While on final approach at approximately 200 feet to the grass runway, the glider pilot felt an impact and then observed the Cessna pull ahead and to his left, landing on the paved surface of the runway. The glider pilot landed on the grass runway.
Damage Description
Examination of the Cessna revealed that its vertical stabilizer was displaced to the right by about 45 degrees. Marks on the upper surface of the left elevator were oriented at a 45-degree angle to the longitudinal axis of the airplane. On the glider, the lower surface of the left wingtip was displaced upward, and the right lower side of the fuselage was damaged.
Pilot Actions
Both pilots stated that they announced their positions on the radio during the traffic pattern and final approach legs. The Cessna pilot initiated a left turn to base and final after observing the glider on the upwind leg. The glider pilot followed a similar pattern. Despite these announcements, the aircraft collided on final approach.