Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's delayed decision to restart the glider's engine. A factor in the accident was a loss of thermal lift.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
According to the pilot, he had performed a cross country glider flight and was returning to his home airport, around dusk, when the glider "got a bit low." The pilot attempted to start the glider's engine, at approximately 1,200 feet AGL, but was unsuccessful, because he could not maintain the required excessive nose down attitude for engine start. The pilot then initiated a 180 degree turn to perform a forced landing to a field. During the turn, the glider encountered "very strong sink," and impacted the edge of a residence. The pilot reported no mechanical deficiencies with the glider. He also stated that he should have "abandoned glider flight" and started the engine when he was in the vicinity of an airport.
Source record
Factual narrative
According to the pilot, he had performed a cross country glider flight and was returning to his home airport, around dusk, when the glider "got a bit low." The pilot attempted to start the glider's engine, at approximately 1,200 feet AGL, but was unsuccessful, because he could not maintain the required excessive nose down attitude for engine start. The pilot then initiated a 180 degree turn to perform a forced landing to a field. During the turn, the glider encountered "very strong sink," and impacted the edge of a residence. The pilot reported no mechanical deficiencies with the glider. He also stated that he should have "abandoned glider flight" and started the engine when he was in the vicinity of an airport.