K 8 B over-corrects gust-induced wing drop in low ridge turn

The solo student pilot of a K 8 B was uninjured but the glider destroyed when it struck a ridge during thermalling training near Gudo. After aerotow release from Locarno, the pilot — having misunderstood the brief — flew a right 180° turn near the Monti di Gudo at low height, distracted by looking left. An unexpected wind shear dropped the right wing ~55°. He reacted with a sudden full left stick input; the glider lost control, the right wingtip struck rocks and the K 8 B came to rest between two conifers. He had only three short prior flights on a similar K 8 B and this was his first on this airframe.

1. Solo training thermal flight ex Locarno: The student pilot launched on aerotow from Locarno-Magadino for a solo thermalling training flight in a Schleicher K 8 B, after an earlier dual instruction flight in the same area.
2. Pilot misunderstood instructional brief: Overhearing instructors discuss different thermal areas and another student being directed to Monti di Medeglia, the pilot believed his own tasking pointed toward that area and continued away from the intended local circuit.
3. Very low experience on type: The pilot had only three short prior flights on a similar K 8 B several months earlier and was flying this specific airframe for the first time; his total solo experience was very limited.
4. Low right turn near ridge, looking left: Searching for better lift near the Monti di Gudo, the pilot flew a right 180° turn at low height. He was distracted by looking toward an alpine pasture to his left and allowed the glider to come too close to the mountain ridge.
5. Gust drops right wing; over-corrects: An unexpected wind shear (gust) dropped the right wing about 55°. The pilot reacted instinctively with a sudden full left stick input rather than a controlled recovery; the glider lost control and descended toward the rocky terrain, striking the right wingtip on rocks.
6. Wingtip rock strike; rest in conifers: The K 8 B came to rest lodged between two conifer trees on the ridge slope near Gudo and was destroyed. The student pilot was uninjured and exited the cockpit unaided.