Libelle ground-loops on an off-field landing after losing lift
A Standard Libelle returning to Moriarty ran out of lift and had to land off-field on rough ground; the pilot was unhurt but the glider was substantially damaged. During the off-field landing it ground-looped to the right and the landing gear collapsed, damaging the gear mounts and the fuselage. No pre-existing mechanical fault was found.
- 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.
- 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.
- Insufficient altitude: As a result of the reduced lift, the pilot did not have sufficient altitude to glide back to Moriarty Municipal Airport.
- 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.
- 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.
- Outlanding - damage: The off-field landing resulted in substantial damage to the landing gear attachment points and fuselage, while the pilot was uninjured.