Accident Overview
A private pilot was conducting a normal aero tow takeoff in a glider from runway 21 at an airport with a 2,154-foot long turf surface. The tow plane pilot and the glider pilot both reported becoming airborne at approximately 40 knots. When it became obvious that the climb performance of both the glider and the tow plane was insufficient to accelerate or climb out of ground effect, both pilots released the tow rope at the end of the runway. Subsequently, the glider crashed into the fence at the end of runway 21.
Weather Conditions
Weather reported at the time of the accident included 10 miles visibility, clear skies, winds from 150° at 9 knots, a temperature of 74°F, and a dew point of 57°F. The density altitude was calculated as 2,260 feet.
Additional Reports
Other pilots familiar with the airport have reported that in crosswind operations, there is frequently induced turbulence from trees along the left side of the departure end of runway 21.