Primary finding
Probable cause
The student pilot's delayed decision that resulted in insufficent altitude to return to the departure airport.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The student glider pilot was towed to an altitude of 3,000 feet above ground level and 2 miles from the departure airport, before releasing for a training flight in the local area. Unable to locate sustained lift, the student pilot returned to the airport for landing. The student pilot "thought that [she] had sufficient altitude to safely return to [departure airport]"; however, the glider contacted trees and terrain near the airport. Examination of the glider revealed both composite wings and the fuselage were substantially damaged. The student pilot stated there were no anomalies with the glider prior to the accident.
Source record
Factual narrative
The student glider pilot was towed to an altitude of 3,000 feet above ground level and 2 miles from the departure airport, before releasing for a training flight in the local area. Unable to locate sustained lift, the student pilot returned to the airport for landing. The student pilot "thought that [she] had sufficient altitude to safely return to [departure airport]"; however, the glider contacted trees and terrain near the airport. Examination of the glider revealed both composite wings and the fuselage were substantially damaged. The student pilot stated there were no anomalies with the glider prior to the accident.