Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to assemble the glider’s elevator control before takeoff.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
During his preflight assembly of the glider, the pilot got distracted and failed to connect the elevator control. During the subsequent takeoff, once the glider became airborne, the pilot realized there was no elevator control and immediately released himself from the tow airplane. The glider nosed down and impacted the ground resulting in substantial damage to the fuselage and tail boom.