Incident Overview
According to the pilot, the glider did not sink as fast as expected during the downwind leg. To compensate, he extended the flaps to between 30 and 40 degrees, used the spoilers, and extended the downwind leg.
Pilot Report
On the base leg, the glider entered an area of high sink. The pilot closed the spoilers and angled the glider toward the runway. He determined that he would be unable to reach the runway and elected to land in a field short of the airport.
Landing and Damage
During the landing on rough terrain, the right wing struck a Joshua tree, causing damage to the glider.