Flight Details
The pilot of a sailplane reported encountering a high sink rate while gliding at 5,000 feet. A ridge was located between the pilot and the intended route. Faced with this obstacle, the pilot decided to land short of the ridge line in the desert.
Precautionary Landing
During the flare for landing, the sailplane's left wing struck a mesquite bush approximately 8 to 10 feet above ground level. The impact caused the aircraft to spin around and subsequently groundloop. The sailplane also collided with a small tree during the landing sequence.
Weather Conditions
The pilot reported clear skies, gusty winds, and a temperature of 105 degrees Fahrenheit at the time of the incident.