Incident Overview
A glider pilot conducted a flight after being towed to an altitude of 2,000 feet above ground level. Following release, the pilot flew the glider to the base of a cloud in search of a thermal. When the pilot decided to return to the airport, the glider encountered a downdraft of approximately 600 feet per minute, which descended the aircraft to an altitude of about 950 feet. The pilot noted that the normal sink rate for the glider was about 150 feet per minute.
Landing Sequence
As the glider approached the runway for landing, it cleared marked wires located at the approach end. The glider touched down about 100 feet prior to the mowed grass runway area.
Pilot Reports
The pilot recalled the normal sink rate and provided the above details of the flight and landing. No further information was available regarding damage or injuries.