Janus C low-altitude turn to final; impact short of runway

Both occupants of a Janus C were seriously injured and the glider destroyed when it impacted ground short of RWY 24 at Paderborn-Haxterberg during a low-altitude turn from base to final. After a winch launch to ~285 m AGL the pilot worked the northern circuit area, completing ten full circles between ~220 m and ~90 m AGL without gaining height. From ~90 m AGL the pilot rolled directly into right base; entry to final was at ~30 m AGL. Witnesses described a tight turn at an acute angle, with the glider shuddering briefly before striking the ground and cartwheeling.

1. Winch launch, RWY 24: At 16:28 LT a Janus C launched in winch from RWY 24 of Paderborn-Haxterberg (EDLR) for a local flight as part of a school project. Weather: variable wind 5 kt, CAVOK, 22°C, scattered cloud >2,000 ft. Pilot held a glider licence with aerobatic endorsement and ~1,301 h total experience with 13 flights on the Janus C in the last 90 days.
2. Released at 285 m AGL: GPS data showed release at 285 m AGL. The glider then entered the northern circuit area and began thermalling attempts.
3. Ten circles, height not gained: In the NW sector the pilot completed seven full circles between ~180 m and ~220 m AGL. He then transited ~1,000 m to the NE at ~170 m AGL and flew three more full circles. After the last circle the height above ground was about 90 m.
4. Direct turn to base from ~90 m AGL: From ~90 m AGL the pilot rolled directly into the right base leg for RWY 24 rather than re-entering a structured circuit. The base entry was significantly lower than his prior flights that week.
5. Tight final turn at ~30 m AGL: Entry to the final turn was at about 30 m AGL. Witnesses described a tight turn at an acute angle. The passenger reported a brief shudder of the glider immediately before impact.
6. Ground impact; both occupants SI: The Janus C struck the ground short of RWY 24 and cartwheeled. Both occupants were seriously injured and the glider was destroyed. The investigation was closed as a facts-only report; no probable cause was attributed.