STD Libelle 201B off-field landing — loss of lift, ground loop, gear collapse

A Glasflügel Standard Libelle 201B returning to Moriarty Municipal Airport (New Mexico) made an off-field landing on rough terrain; the pilot was uninjured but the glider was substantially damaged. Atmospheric conditions provided insufficient lift to maintain flight. During the forced landing the glider ground-looped to the right and the landing gear collapsed, damaging the gear attachment points and fuselage. NTSB cited loss of lift with no preaccident mechanical malfunctions.

1. Enroute return flight: While enroute on the return leg to Moriarty Municipal Airport, the glider was flying under visual meteorological conditions after a local soaring flight.
2. Loss of sufficient lift: During the return to the airport, the glider encountered atmospheric conditions where lift was not sufficient to maintain flight and reach the airport.
3. Insufficient altitude: As a result of the reduced lift, the pilot did not have sufficient altitude to glide back to Moriarty Municipal Airport.
4. Off-field landing initiated: Recognizing that the airport was unreachable, the pilot elected to perform an off-airport landing on available rough terrain near Moriarty.
5. Ground loop and gear collapse: During the forced landing on the rough terrain, the glider ground looped to the right and the landing gear collapsed.
6. Outlanding - damage: The off-field landing resulted in substantial damage to the landing gear attachment points and fuselage, while the pilot was uninjured.