Incident Overview
A glider pilot reported experiencing turbulence and heavy sink while on the downwind leg of the traffic pattern. On final approach, the glider encountered additional heavy sink and a gusting headwind. The pilot noted that the glider was approaching soccer fields short of the runway. Although the pilot was able to clear an initial goal post, the glider subsequently impacted another goal post and then the ground.
Damage
The glider sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and right wing.
Mechanical Status
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the glider that would have precluded normal operation.
Weather Conditions
A review of recorded data from an automated weather observation station located about 12 miles east of the airport indicated that approximately 14 minutes after the accident, the wind was variable at 6 knots, gusting to 15 knots. The aircraft was landing on runway 25.