Summary: G-CFST launched behind an aerotow tug from Aston Down Airfield with the intention of soaring along the Cotswold Ridge between Dursley and Broadway. The soaring conditions proved challenging and the glider became too low as it followed the ridge to the east of Cheltenham, an area with few options for a successful field landing. The glider collided with the top of a line of trees while the pilot was attempting to start the glider’s sustainer engine and trying to find a suitable place to land. After colliding with the trees, the glider struck the ground nose-first imparting fatal injuries to the pilot. The rear seat passenger received only minor injuries.