Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain a proper glidepath, which resulted in a collision with trees.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported that, after soaring atop ridgelines in a glider, he initiated an approach. During final, the pilot put the glider in a slip to lose altitude and intercept an "appropriate glideslope." However, the right wing impacted treetops and then came to rest inverted. The glider sustained substantial damage to the right wing and fuselage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the glider that would have precluded normal operation.
Source record
Factual narrative
The glider pilot reported that, after soaring atop local ridgelines, he initiated an approach. During final, the pilot put the airplane in a slip to lose altitude and intercept an "appropriate glideslope." However, the glider's right wing collided with treetops and the glider came to rest inverted. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing and fuselage. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.