NTSB Factual Report

According to the glider pilot, he was participating in a 500-kilometer event when he failed to notice that the cloud streets he was flying beneath deteriorated to a 100 percent overcast, and the sun was no longer heating the ground and creating the thermal lifting he required. He further stated that the glider was too far from a mountain to benefit from mechanical lift, and he was forced to perform a forced landing into unsuitable terrain. In an effort to cushion the landing, the pilot landed into pine trees which resulted in substantial damage to the wings and fuselage. He reported that there were no mechanical deficiencies with the glider.

NTSB Probable Cause

The glider pilot's delayed response to changing weather conditions, which resulted in an off-airport landing into trees.