Incident Overview
The pilot of a glider was preparing to initiate a base turn toward a sod runway when the tower controller asked if he saw traffic on a one-mile final to the paved runway. In response, the pilot released the spoiler handle (the spoilers were partially deployed at the time) to reach for a microphone stored in a pocket on the right side of the glider. After advising the tower that he did not have the traffic in sight, the pilot returned the microphone to the pocket and reached back for the spoiler handle, at which point he discovered the spoilers had deployed to the full-open position.
Sequence of Events
The pilot immediately retracted the spoilers and turned to final approach. After turning final, he realized he would probably be unable to reach the threshold of the sod runway. However, due to another aircraft on final approach to the paved runway—whose threshold was approximately 2,500 feet closer to his position—the pilot decided not to request a change to that runway. He continued toward the sod runway threshold, maneuvering to the right side to avoid stakes located between his position and the threshold, and to ensure he landed clear of the paved runway.
Aftermath
Ultimately, the glider touched down approximately 200 feet short of the sod runway threshold and 50 feet to the right of its right edge. The initial touchdown in tall weeds was uneventful, but almost immediately after starting the landing roll, the aircraft impacted a ditch that the pilot had not been aware of.