The glider was being launched via an aero-tow. It became airborne after a short ground run and climbed to a higher than normal altitude. The pilot attempted to correct the situation but the glider bounced twice on the strip, breaking off the tail skid. As the glider climbed away it continued to oscillate in a position above the tug aircraft. The tow rope was released when the glider was about 120 feet above ground level and the pilot, believing that there was insufficient runway remaining to land, attempted to turn back for a landing on the strip. During the turn the glider entered a spin subsequently striking the ground in a nose low attitude. The pilot was inexperienced on the aircraft type, having not flown the type for about two months. On the day there was a gusty wind blowing and it was the opinion of experienced local pilots that a landing straight ahead after rope release would have been possible.
