LS 1-f loss of control on late outlanding — competition leg, ~70 m AGL

While outlanding 2.7 km east of Wershofen during a competition cross-country, the pilot of an LS 1-f was fatally injured. After more than six hours on a 358 km task from Aachen-Merzbrueck, the glider was returning toward the third turnpoint in weakening, wind-torn thermals. From 17:10 it lost height steadily; two thermal attempts produced no gain. Suitable outlanding terrain was available from 17:30, but the pilot continued west toward the turnpoint. At about 70 m AGL the pilot began an outlanding turn; the glider entered an uncontrolled attitude in a low left turn and impacted a meadow at over 45 deg pitch.

1. Competition cross-country: Euregio-Cup, 358 km triangle with three turnpoints, Wershofen being the third. Launched from Aachen-Merzbrück at 11:21.
2. Weakening, wind-torn thermals: Late afternoon; W wind 30–35 km/h. Reached a maximum of 2 008 m AMSL at 17:10, then lost height steadily.
3. Two failed thermal attempts: At about 17:30 and 17:35 the glider attempted to climb; both attempts drifted east and produced no height gain.
4. Continued west despite suitable terrain: Outlandable terrain was available from 17:30, but the pilot pressed on toward the third turnpoint.
5. Outlanding initiated at ~70 m AGL: Recording ended at 17:46:10 at about 70 m above the ground, at the start of a right turn toward a selected meadow.
6. Loss of control in low left turn: A witness saw the glider in a low left turn (following the initial right turn) from which it departed controlled flight.
7. Ground impact at >45° pitch: Impact on a meadow about 2.7 km east of Wershofen; impact pitch over 45°, aircraft destroyed, pilot fatally injured.