Summary
A glider pilot experienced a weather-related incident during a flight from an unspecified airport. The pilot had noted dark clouds to the west before departure but elected to proceed after the tow plane pilot also pointed them out. Following release at 2,500 feet, conditions deteriorated rapidly, leading to a forced landing in trees near the runway.
Flight Details
Prior to takeoff, the glider pilot observed 'dark clouds' to the west of the airport. The tow plane pilot also pointed to the clouds, but the glider pilot 'did not feel that the clouds were moving all that fast' and decided to depart. The glider was towed to an altitude of 2,500 feet and released.
Encounter with Weather
About one minute after release, the pilot noticed it was 'suddenly much darker, and the clouds had quickly moved over the airport west to east.' Light rain began, and the pilot intended to return to the airport for landing. While entering the traffic pattern, 'the rain got so heavy that I had no visibility forward.'
Landing Attempt
On final approach for landing, the glider began to impact trees. The glider veered to the left and pitched down towards the ground. The final resting place was in the trees, approximately 300 feet from the runway threshold.
Additional Information
The pilot reported 34 hours of total flight experience, all in gliders. No mechanical problems with the glider were noted by the pilot.