DG-600 stall on left turn entry — first flights on type after purchase

After a winch launch from Giessen-Wieseck, the pilot of a DG-600/18 was seriously injured. The glider released at about 340 m AGL; after eight thermal circles without gain, the pilot turned southeast toward Roedgen. At about 240 m above launch level, entering a left turn, the minimum speed for the bank angle was not maintained and the glider departed controlled flight in a spin-like motion. The pilot recovered close to the ground but in the pull-out arc struck trees and impacted an orchard 1.5 km southeast of the airfield. Limited time on type since the recent purchase and inadequate turn-entry speed contributed.

1. Local flight after winch launch: Winch launch from Gießen-Wieseck RWY 80° at 13:03; released at ~340 m AGL.
2. Limited experience on type: Pilot had ~15 h and 3 landings on the DG 600/18 — first flights on type since purchasing it in November 2021.
3. No thermal gain after release: Eight circles over the launch area without altitude gain; glider drifted north on the E–SE wind.
4. Min speed not maintained in left turn: At ~240 m above launch level, while entering a left turn toward Rödgen, the minimum speed for the bank angle was not held.
5. Wing drop and spin-like motion: The glider abruptly rolled off and entered a spin-like, uncontrolled flight condition.
6. Recovery near the ground: The pilot regained control at very low altitude, pulling into a recovery arc.
7. Tree strike, then orchard impact: In the recovery arc the glider struck trees, was decelerated, then impacted an orchard at the western edge of Rödgen ~1.5 km SE of the airfield. Pilot seriously injured; aircraft destroyed.