Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain lateral control of the glider during landing in gusting wind conditions, which resulted in the left wing striking the ground and a subsequent ground loop.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported that, while returning to the airport, the glider descended faster than expected, so he diverted to a field for landing. The glider encountered a wind gust, and the left wing hit the ground. The glider then ground looped to the left. The glider sustained substantial damage to the fuselage, empennage, and right aileron. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the glider that would have precluded normal operation. The pilot reported that the wind was from 140°, between about 10 and 20 knots, and gusting. The pilot landed the glider to the south.
Source record
Factual narrative
The pilot of the glider reported that, while returning to the airport, the glider descended faster than expected, so he diverted to an alfalfa field for landing. The glider encountered a gust of wind and the left wing "suddenly" hit the ground. The glider then ground looped to the left. The glider sustained substantial damage to the fuselage, empennage and right aileron. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the glider that would have precluded normal operation. The pilot reported that the wind was from 140° at 10 to 20 knots and gusting. The pilot landed the glider to the south.