Event Description
According to the pilot, before the takeoff roll began, his glider's heading differed by approximately 5 degrees from that of the towplane. During the takeoff roll, the pilot applied rudder to correct the misalignment, but the glider dragged a wing, causing it to yaw 70 degrees to the right. As the glider lifted 3 to 5 feet above the runway, the pilot released the towline. The glider then touched down in a sideslip, and the resulting side load on the tail landing gear caused the tailboom to buckle 90 degrees.
Pilot Report
The pilot stated that there were no mechanical deficiencies with the glider that would have prevented normal operation. He noted that the accident might have been prevented by ensuring the glider was properly aligned with the towplane before the takeoff roll began. No other factors were identified in the pilot's account.