Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to use the dive brake during landing resulting in a long landing and collision.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
According to the pilot, he was conducting his fourth solo flight and during the aero tow he "ballooned" and drifted to the right. The pilot repositioned the glider, slack developed in the tow rope, and the rope disconnected from the glider approximately 10 feet above the ground. The pilot did not use the dive brake to descend and landed long, resulting in substantial damage. An examination of the glider systems, conducted by the FAA, revealed no anomalies.
Source record
Factual narrative
According to the pilot, he was conducting his fourth solo flight and during the aero tow he "ballooned" and drifted to the right. The pilot repositioned the glider, slack developed in the tow rope, and the rope disconnected from the glider approximately 10 feet above the ground. The pilot did not use the dive brake to descend and landed long, resulting in substantial damage. An examination of the glider systems, conducted by the FAA, revealed no anomalies.