Discus-2c student diverts to circle in turbulent thermal; uncontrolled spiral

A Discus-2c was substantially damaged on a training flight at Braunschweig (Germany) when it impacted a playground; the student was lightly injured. After a winch launch to 335 m above the field the student searched without success for lift over Waggum. Already configured for landing at 200 m, he registered lift at 240 m near the Waggum pool and decided to circle right instead of continuing the approach. The turn entered strong sink in a gusty, torn thermal, no recovery push or exit followed, and the glider entered an uncontrolled steep spiral. A witness reported an exceptionally strong gust at the time.

1. Winch launch and thermal search: Launched by winch at 16:59 from Braunschweig to 335 m above field; the student (58 h total, 13 flights on the Discus-2c) searched unsuccessfully for thermals over the Waggum district, losing altitude.
2. Gusty, torn thermal field: Weather was 'bockig' (bumpy) with torn, turbulent thermals; a witness reported a sudden, exceptionally strong gust around the time of the accident (doors and windows slamming).
3. Already configured for landing: Before reaching the position abeam landing field near the Waggum swimming pool, the student had already started landing preparations at 200 m above airfield with gear extended.
4. Decision to circle instead of land: Registering lift, the student initiated a right turn at about 240 m above ground rather than continuing the approach, judging the height sufficient to climb.
5. Strong sink in the turn: Soon after starting the turn the glider encountered a strong downdraft in the broken thermal field; rapid descent began from roughly 180 m above ground.
6. No effective recovery: An immediate elevator-release to gain speed and exit the turn did not follow; the glider transitioned into an uncontrolled flight state described as a steep spiral with increasing airspeed and no control response.
7. Playground impact — student lightly injured: The glider impacted a children's playground next to a track north of the airfield; aircraft substantially damaged (rear fuselage broken off, left wing outer broken); student lightly injured. No technical defects found.