Accident Overview
A glider flight instructor, accompanied by a student, was conducting a local area flight when adverse weather prompted a decision to demonstrate a crosswind landing before ceasing operations. The glider released from its tow airplane at approximately 1,000 feet above ground level and proceeded on a downwind leg for runway 29.
Approach and Landing
During the final approach, the flight instructor encountered difficulty maintaining proper runway alignment due to strong, gusting crosswinds. To compensate, he elected to land the glider in a grassy area immediately north of the runway. His forward visibility was limited by heavy rain at the time.
Impact and Damage
While landing in the grassy area, the glider struck a taxiway sign. The impact substantially damaged the left wing of the aircraft.
Weather Conditions
Weather radar and surface observations indicated that a thunderstorm affected the airport shortly after the glider departed. The storm produced heavy rain, lightning, and strong winds. During the accident flight, the airport's automated surface observing system recorded a peak wind from 220 degrees magnetic at 42 knots. The glider's maximum demonstrated crosswind component for safe approach, landing, and aerotow launching was 16 knots.