The pilot's inability to maintain altitude due to a loss of thermal lift, which resulted in an off-airport landing.
— NTSB Determination
The glider pilot reported that, during the return flight to the airport, he encountered more downdrafts than expected and did not have enough altitude to reach the airport. He selected an area for the forced landing where during the landing roll on the rough terrain, both wings sustained substantial damage.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the glider that would have precluded normal operation.
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