Incident Overview
A glider pilot conducted an off-airport landing attempt that ended with the aircraft striking trees before coming to rest in a corn field. The glider had been towed to 3,000 feet and released, after which the pilot flew around a ridgeline for about 30 minutes. When lift dissipated, he decided to land in a corn field.
Maneuver and Impact
During the base-to-final approach turn, the glider impacted trees. The outboard 6 feet of the left wing separated, and the fuselage sustained damage. The glider came to rest in the field.
Pilot Experience and Report
The pilot reported having 3,400 hours of total glider flight experience, including about 300 hours in the same make and model as the accident glider. He stated that he extended the downwind leg too far and did not compensate adequately for winds.
Weather Conditions
Winds reported around the time of the accident, at an airport located 22 miles north of the accident site, were from 290 degrees at 8 knots.