Incident Overview
A glider impacted trees after experiencing a loss of thermal lift during gusty wind conditions. According to the pilot, there were no control problems with the glider.
Sequence of Events
After release from the tow plane, the pilot made repeated attempts to ascend a mountain. However, insufficient thermals were found to accomplish the climb. On the third attempt, the airspeed suddenly decreased from 55 to 40 knots, and the glider lost 100 to 200 feet of altitude. The pilot lowered the nose to prevent a stall.
Maneuver and Impact
A dead tree was present to the left of the glider. The pilot executed a nose-down, right turn downslope in order to maintain speed and regain terrain clearance. Shortly thereafter, the wings collided with trees and were sheared from the fuselage. The fuselage went through two trees and came to rest inverted.