Glider in power line - No injury

Wednesday, June 5, 2013

A experienced pilot landing in a large field near Mapleton, UT after a cross country
flight was aware of a line of small pole power lines running through the
field. However, as the pilot was in the final stages of landing
(approximately 10 feet above the ground), the pilot saw an additional
small pole power line running perpendicular to the main power lines. 
Since there was no room to turn, the pilot applied full brakes and
passed under the power lines.  The pilot landed safely, however, the
glider sustained burn damage in several cells when part of the wing
contacted the power lines.

Small pole power lines can be virtually invisible from above, and can
extend in multiple directions.  In addition, the pilot was so focused on
checking ground speed (i.e. looking at the GPS) and checking the field
for obstacles that the pilot did not see the additional power lines
until it was too late. The pilot should have practiced better situation
awareness and was fortunate to escape uninjured.