SGS 2-33A crew turns back from a practice rope break beyond gliding range

Two pilots were unhurt and their SGS 2-33A substantially damaged when a practice rope break at Hartness State left them beyond gliding range of the runway, and the left wing struck a tree in the field landing that followed. At the glider crew's request the tow pilot flew further right of the upwind leg than on the previous flights, to open up the distance from the runway. The crew released at about 60 m, turned steeply back, and only then saw that the runway was out of reach. They put the glider down in a clear area beside a dirt road.

1. Check flight with two pilots: Two qualified glider pilots set out to fly a simulated rope break from about 60 m on a check flight.
2. Tow widened at the crew's request: At the glider crew's request the tow pilot flew further right of the upwind leg than usual, to open up the distance from the runway.
3. Release at about 60 m: The crew released the rope at about 60 m above the ground to begin the exercise.
4. Runway out of reach on the turn back: After a steep turn back toward the airfield the crew found the runway beyond gliding range from the widened position.
5. Left wing into a tree beside a road: They landed in a clear area beside a dirt road. The left wing struck a tree during the landing and was substantially damaged. Neither pilot was hurt.