Event Sequence
On Saturday, 7 July 2018, a Schleicher ASK-13 glider, registration EC-LPT, was towed into the air from runway 15 at Santo Tomé del Puerto aerodrome. The glider carried two persons on board. During the climb, the pilot executed a right turn, reaching a point approximately 2 km northwest of the airfield at an elevation of 250 m. Upon noticing a thermal updraft of about 5 kt, he decided to release the tow cable to enter the updraft and continue climbing. However, he was unable to use the updraft and, after attempting to find another, gave up due to a headwind and returned to the airfield.
The pilot made an approach to runway 15 shortly after the tow aircraft. He reported that leeward downdrafts at this runway are typically strong, causing a rapid descent. He lowered the nose to gain speed and counteract the downdraft but was unable to reach the runway, landing just before it. At an altitude of about 1 m, the right wing struck a small oak tree, causing the glider to land sideways, resting on its main gear with the left wingtip touching the ground. The glider stopped approximately 5 m after ground contact, coming to rest at a 90° angle to the runway centerline.
Injuries to Persons
The pilot and passenger were not injured and exited the aircraft under their own power.
Damage to Aircraft
The aircraft sustained minor damage. The left wing had a crack on its lower surface near the registration marking, and both the upper and lower surfaces of the wingtip were visibly damaged, more so on the upper wing surface.
Probable Cause
The investigation determined that the accident was caused by an off-field landing on unprepared terrain due to not reaching the threshold of runway 15, where the glider was attempting to land.