Accident Overview
A glider pilot was unable to find thermals during flight and decided to return to the glider port. During the approach, the glider was lower than initially planned, prompting the pilot to cut the approach short by crossing directly to the runway and then turning for landing.
Impact and Damage
During the turn, the glider struck trees and impacted terrain. The glider sustained substantial damage to the left wing.
Pilot Report
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the glider that would have precluded normal operation.
Weather Conditions
The automated weather observation station located on an airport about 9 nautical miles away reported that, about the time of the accident, the wind was 190° at 8 knots. The pilot reported the wind was 130°, light and variable. The pilot attempted to land on runway 09.