Primary finding
Probable cause
The glider encountered atmospheric conditions where the lift was not sufficient to maintain flight, which resulted in an off airport landing on rough terrain.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot stated that the glider was 2 miles from the airport on an extended base leg, when it encountered a loss of lift. He could not make it to the runway, so he landed off airport in a field, which was too short for a normal rollout. The pilot intentionally ground-looped the glider to avoid a fence, but the terrain was rough, and the fuselage and right wing were substantially damaged. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the glider that would have precluded normal operation.
Source record
Factual narrative
The pilot stated that the glider was 2 miles from the airport on an extended base leg, when it encountered a loss of lift. He could not make it to the runway, so he landed off airport in a field, which was too short for a normal rollout. The pilot intentionally ground-looped the glider to avoid a fence, but the terrain was rough, and the fuselage and right wing were substantially damaged. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the glider that would have precluded normal operation.