ASW 20 L stall-spin in a low turn while scratching for lift

During cross-country training from Luesse, the pilot of an ASW 20 L was fatally injured. The experienced pilot (144 hours on type) sank steadily south of the field to about 160 m AGL and asked whether another launch was available, then found weak lift and climbed back to about 240 m. Still circling low, he switched turn direction, flew north about 600 m, and at about 235 m AGL began a right turn during which the sink rate rose sharply. Witnesses saw a spin-like, uncontrolled descent into a grain field 1.2 km southwest of launch. No technical defect was found; with no autopsy, a medical impairment could not be excluded.

1. Winch launch thermaling: After a winch launch from Lüsse to about 500 m GND, the pilot began thermaling south of the airfield during a cross-country training flight.
2. Low thermaling altitude: While searching for lift south of the airfield, the glider’s height steadily decreased to about 160 m GND, leaving limited altitude margin for maneuvering.
3. Continued low-level circling: After confirming a further winch launch would be possible, the pilot found weak thermals and climbed only to about 240–235 m GND before continuing circling and maneuvering at low height.
4. Right turn at low height: At about 235 m GND, after a left-hand circle and short northbound flight, the pilot initiated a right-hand turn, during which the sink rate rapidly increased.
5. Uncontrolled descent: Flight data showed a very rapidly increasing sink rate and witnesses observed the glider entering a spin-like, uncontrolled attitude with rapid height loss.
6. Crash - fatal: The glider impacted a grain field about 1.2 km southwest of the launch point, was destroyed, the pilot was ejected from the cockpit, and he sustained fatal injuries.