19991013042669A

(.4)Prior to departure for a supervised solo instructional flight, the pilot had obtained weather information from local glider pilot's, and checking the windsocks located at each end, and midfield of the airport. He indicated that the winds were from the northeast due to northeast trade winds, and runway 8 was in use. No discrepancies were noted with the takeoff. At 2,000 feet AGL he released the glider from the tow plane, and noted a loss of altitude. He turned to the north away from a ridge where a strong sink rate had been reported and proceeded to the practice area. He made an attempt to return to the airport after a continued loss of altitude. Prior to the forced landing on a sugar cane access road, he noted that the winds were from the northeast and then landed on the road. During the landing rollout the left wing contacted a dirt berm. The glider turned 180-degrees from the direction of travel and came to rest in a ditch. No discrepancies were noted with the glider by the pilot. (-23)student glider pilot hit an area of sink east of dillingham field and elected to land on a dirt road approximately 2 miles east of the field. Dur ing the landing aircraft left wing impacted scrub brush and a dirt mound causing the aircraft to veer left. Aircraft made a 180 degree turn and slid off of the dirt road into a ditch. Aircraft landed downwind from west to east in approximately 8 knots of wind, with slight gusts. 140 elevation level. Final aircraft heading 310 degrees. Weather estimated at a 3,000 ft overcast.