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 by winch from RWY 24 of Paderborn-Haxterberg (EDLR) for a local flight as part of a school project.
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 about 180 and 220 m AGL, then transited to the NE at about 170 m AGL for three more circles, ending near 90 m AGL.
4. Direct turn to base from ~90 m AGL: From about 90 m AGL the pilot rolled directly into the right base leg for RWY 24 rather than re-entering a structured circuit, lower than on 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.