Primary finding
Probable cause
The loss of thermal lift during cruise flight that resulted in a forced landing.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported that during a glider flight, the glider lost available lift. The pilot force landed the glider in a field, short of the airport. During the landing, the right wing impacted an unknown object and the empennage section separated from the remainder of the airframe at the tailboom. The pilot reported no mechanical malfunctions.
Source record
Factual narrative
The pilot reported that during a glider flight, the glider lost available lift. The pilot force landed the glider in a field, short of the airport. During the landing, the right wing impacted an unknown object and the empennage section separated from the remainder of the airframe at the tailboom. The pilot reported no mechanical malfunctions.