Primary finding
Probable cause
The glider pilot’s misjudgment while approaching to land, which resulted in an off-airport landing.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The glider pilot reported he was returning to land when he noticed another glider waiting for departure on the runway. He elected to land instead on another runway that required that he fly further. The pilot said that he turned on the base leg of the traffic pattern too far away from the intended runway and that he did not anticipate the substantial downdraft and very strong headwind that he encountered on final approach. The glider landed approximately 500 feet short of the intended runway and impacted terrain and a railroad embankment, causing substantial damage to the glider's fuselage and right wing.
Source record
Factual narrative
The glider pilot reported he was returning to land when he noticed another glider waiting for departure on the runway. He elected to land instead on another runway that required that he fly a further flight distance. The pilot said that he turned his base leg for landing too far away from the intended runway and that he did not anticipate the substantial downdraft and very strong headwind which he encountered on final approach. The glider landed approximately 500 feet short of the intended runway and impacted terrain and a railroad embankment causing substantial damage to the glider's fuselage and the right wing.