Background
A commercial pilot was flying a Schleicher ASW-27B glider as part of a soaring competition. The competition required flying to a specified point and returning, with timekeeping. The pilot turned around at the designated location and began the return leg, flying along a ridge towards the airport of origin.
Accident Sequence
During the return flight, an onboard computer indicated that the glider would arrive at the airport with an altitude of 100 feet above ground level (AGL). The pilot continued to "work the ridge" (exploit ridge lift) to gain altitude, as his personal minimum for arrival at an airport was 600 feet AGL, with 1,000 feet AGL being his ideal arrival altitude. However, while still short of the airport, the pilot realized the ridge was no longer producing lift and that he would be unable to reach either the last suitable landing site behind him or the destination airport.
In response, the pilot reduced the glider's speed to intentionally "fly into the trees." The left wing of the glider struck trees first, followed by the glider falling through the trees. It then impacted the ground right wing first and came to rest inverted.
Damage
The glider sustained substantial damage during the impact. The pilot noted that there were no mechanical anomalies with the aircraft prior to the accident.
Aircraft and Pilot Information
The glider was a Schleicher ASW-27B. The pilot held a commercial pilot certificate. No further details regarding the pilot, location, or date were provided.