N176V

On July 11, 1999, approximately 1730 mountain daylight time, a Schempp-Hirth Ventus B/16.6 glider, was substantially damaged during an off airport landing (i.e., landing-out) near Hobbs Industrial Park Airport, Hobbs, New Mexico. The commercial pilot, the sole occupant on board, received minor injuries. The aircraft was being operated by the pilot under Title 14 CFR Part 91. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the local flight which originated approximately 4.5 hours before the accident. No flight plan had been filed.

According to race officials, the pilot was returning to Hobbs, and was approximately 14 nautical miles from the airport. The pilot said that the lift conditions were deteriorating, and he needed to land-out. He said that he selected a road, but as he approached his landing point, he became aware of transmission wires. He subsequently maneuvered his glider away from the wires, but "stalled his aircraft." The pilot said that he caught a wing tip, and the glider rotated into a fence. The glider was broken in half, and the nose and vertical stabilizer were damaged.