On June 20, 1996, at 1830 central daylight time, an Aerotecnik L-13, motor glider, N21400, sustained substantial damage when it impacted a ditch during an off airport landing in Wichita, Kansas. The solo commercial pilot reported no injuries. The local, 14 CFR Part 91 flight departed the Jabara Airport, Wichita, Kansas about 1800. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed. In his written statement, the pilot reported that he climbed to 4,500 feet man sea level, shut down the engine, and soared for 15 minutes. When he attempted to start the engine, the "battery did not have enough power to operate the starter." He landed in a field three miles east of the Jabara Airport. The wreckage was examined by a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Inspector. He reported that the airplane was substantially damaged when it "hit ditches on the roadside."