Glider Wing Contact with Grass Leads to 180-Degree Turn and Damage During Tow

Incident Overview

A pilot reported that during a tow behind a tow airplane for takeoff, the right wing dropped slightly. The pilot applied aileron control to level the wings. At that point, the left wing may have contacted the grass on the runway. This contact created enough drag to turn the glider 180 degrees to the left. During the turn, the safety link released. The glider then rolled backwards before coming to rest.

Damage and Examination

A postaccident examination of the left wing revealed substantial damage to the left aileron, which had separated from its mounts in the wing.

Pilot Statement

The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the glider that would have precluded normal operation.