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.

— NTSB Determination

Accident 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.

Contributing factors

cause Ability to respond/compensate
Effect on equipment

Conditions

Weather: VMC, wind 220/16kt, vis 10sm

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20 Jul 2013: SCHWEIZER SGS 2-33A — Gary Boggs