Incident Overview
During a glider training flight, the aircraft was in tow when it turned right downwind at 500 feet above ground level. At that point, the student pilot deployed the spoilers. The certified flight instructor (CFI) responded by releasing the glider from the tow plane and then locking and closing the spoiler handle.
Pilot Actions
The CFI later reported that she intended to land on a runway at the airport. However, the student remained "frozen" on the flight controls, preventing the CFI from maneuvering. By the time the student released the controls, it was no longer possible to reach the intended runway.
Forced Landing
With the runway unreachable, the CFI executed a forced landing onto an airport access road. During the approach, the left wing struck a 4-foot-tall sagebush just prior to touchdown. The glider subsequently turned and impacted on the shoulder of the road.
Conclusion
The sequence of events—from the unexpected spoiler deployment to the student's immobilization—led to the forced landing. No further information on injuries or damage was provided in the source.