Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to navigate in hazy conditions, which resulted in a forced landing in a field and a collision with a pole.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot of the unpowered glider reported that, he experienced “spatial disorientation” due to hazy conditions, and he inadvertently flew the glider in the wrong direction, which was farther away from his intended landing site. The pilot selected an open field as a forced landing site. During the forced landing, the right wing impacted a pole, which resulted in substantial damage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.