SZD-9 Bocian spin training won't recover; both bail out at 400 m

An SZD-9 Bocian was destroyed during spin training at Langhennersdorf (Germany); both instructor and student bailed out and were lightly injured. After an aerotow release at 800 m the crew entered a planned one-turn spin to the left. Standard recovery inputs of right rudder and elevator release had no effect, and the instructor also pushed right rudder without result. After 5-6 turns he ordered exit at 400 m and both occupants landed under parachute. Unsuitable control inputs most likely kept the spin from being stopped in time; a tail-heavy trim setting probably made it worse.

1. Aerotow to 800 m for spin training: The Bocian launched at 14:45 from Langhennersdorf for an instructional spin exercise (recognize and exit a spin); the tow rope was released at 800 m.
2. Instructor recurrency gap on type: The instructor had a multi-year gap in flying the Bocian before recent recurrency training, with no recent spin practice on the type.
3. Very low student experience: The student pilot had very limited flying experience, including on the SZD-9 Bocian.
4. Spin entry, left rudder: After clearing turns and a transition to slow flight, the spin was initiated by left rudder input; instructor and student gave conflicting accounts of who applied it.
5. Recovery inputs ineffective: After one turn the student applied right rudder against the rotation and released the elevator, but the glider did not respond; the instructor then also applied right rudder, without effect.
6. Bailout ordered at 400 m: After about 5-6 spin turns, at roughly 400 m above ground, the instructor ordered a bailout; the student jettisoned the canopy and both occupants exited via the fuselage sides.
7. Both parachute safely; glider destroyed: Both occupants landed near the village main street under their rescue parachutes with light injuries; the unmanned glider came to rest inverted on a tree in a private garden.