ASW 20 BL crash near London Gliding Club results in fatality

On August 16, 1986, an Alexander Schleicher ASW 20 BL crashed near the London Gliding Club in Dunstable, United Kingdom. The glider, piloted by a 24-year-old with 136 hours of flying experience, was seen descending in a high-speed dive from over 1000 feet. Witnesses reported the aircraft rotating as it descended before impacting the ground at an estimated speed of 200-230 knots. The pilot, who was the sole occupant, sustained fatal injuries, and the glider was completely destroyed. The glider had a current Certificate of Airworthiness, but the cockpit load limits were not updated to reflect modifications made to the aircraft.