SZ23 Glider (C-GCSY) - From the Investigator

The accident flight was part of the Air Cadet Gliding Program in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, QC in support of the summer glider pilot training and involved a solo cadet student glider pilot.

The winds on the day of the accident were strong and gusty. The cadet student pilot was conducting their third glider flight of the day; their second solo flight. The flight proceeded normally until the pilot turned onto final in preparation for landing on grass Runway #3. While on short final the left wing and fuselage struck the ground on grass Runway #2. Upon touchdown, the glider veered and came to a stop in the immediate vicinity of persons on the ground and other parked gliders.

The aircraft sustained very serious damage and the pilot received minor injuries.

The investigation did not reveal any evidence of technical issues with the aircraft and is now focusing on human, technological, and environmental factors.