Accident Overview
A glider training flight ended with the aircraft landing short of the intended runway in trees, causing substantial damage to the fuselage. The incident occurred during a turn to final approach, according to the flight instructor.
Pilot Narrative
The flight instructor reported that the glider appeared to be above the glidepath during the turn to final approach. In response, the student pilot deployed the dive brakes to increase the descent rate. After the glider returned to a normal glidepath, the student retracted the dive brakes. However, the glider continued descending at a rate described as "higher than normal." Realizing the situation, the flight instructor took control of the glider but was unable to reach the intended runway, landing in trees short of the runway.
Aircraft Damage
The glider sustained substantial damage to the fuselage during the landing. The flight instructor noted that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions that would have precluded normal operation.
Additional Information
The student pilot failed to submit a written statement regarding the accident despite multiple requests from the investigating authorities.