Overview
According to the pilot, the glider was towed to an altitude of 6,500 feet above mean sea level (msl), which was about 2,600 feet above ground level (agl), and then released. After release, the glider climbed to an altitude of 7,500 feet. The pilot proceeded to an area he normally used for soaring.
Incident Sequence
Upon reaching the soaring area, the pilot realized the glider was too low to glide back to the airport or to a known suitable field for an off-airport landing. The pilot stated that his option was to soar to the next available safe field for landing. However, to reach that field, the glider would have to cross over a tree line. As the glider approached the trees, the pilot determined it would not be able to clear them, so he set up an approach for landing onto a road adjacent to the tree line.
Damage and Pilot Statement
During the landing rollout, the right wing struck a tree. The pilot reported that the right wing was damaged and the tail boom had separated. He also stated that there were no mechanical problems with the glider before the accident.