Glider Short-Field Landing Incident (N90842)

Approach and Control Transfer During the approach, the glider entered a left base for runway 21 and turned final approximately 3,000 to 4,000 feet from the runway at an altitude of about 800 feet above ground level. The certified flight instructor, who was the pilot-in-command, instructed the student pilot to deploy the spoilers to reach the glideslope while maintaining a pattern speed of 50 knots. The CFI subsequently took control of the glider. The instructor reported that the aircraft began to sink rapidly, with the airspeed dropping to 43 knots. Although the spoilers were closed, the CFI stated that the aircraft was too low to make the runway. He executed a descending right turn while deploying the spoilers and slowing the aircraft. The only available landing area was a small pasture less than 300 feet long, with trees at the far end and a ditch. The glider stalled at approximately 2 to 3 feet above the ground with the right wing slightly down while still turning. The aircraft pivoted around the right wingtip and came to a stop in about 60 feet.