Strong Thermal in North Dakota

At Caprock Soaring in West Texas, two weeks ago, we had a 1-26 picked
up and spun around, injuring it's owner. As I understand it, the wing
struck him in the head and knocked him to the runway. The glider came
down tail first and damaged the elevator, and drove the main gear up
into the fuselage. I did not inspect it further so I am not aware of
any other damage, except the canopy that was open at the time, and
didn't survive.

Let's be careful out there! The best thing to do if you're in this
situation is to hit the ground away from the glider. Gliders repair a
lot less painfully than people.

Regards.

Jack Womack
PIK-20B N77MA (TE)