Glider lands beyond the runway in a hedge after a folder jams the airbrakes

Landing at Montricher with airbrakes that would not fully extend, an LS4 touched down beyond the runway and came to rest in a hedge; the pilot suffered serious back injuries and the glider was damaged. On final the airbrakes would not open past a small setting; judging the approach a little high, the pilot did not sideslip to lose the excess height — a technique never flown on this type. To steepen the descent and stay clear of a railway power line beyond the runway end, speed was reduced. Investigators found the airbrakes had probably been jammed part-open by a loose A5 folder wedged against their linkage.

1. Final approach to RWY 03: The glider turned final to RWY 03 a little high, with the airbrakes set only slightly open.
2. Airbrakes will not open further: A loose A5 folder had wedged against the airbrake linkage; the pilot could not extend the airbrakes beyond a small setting.
3. Sideslip option not used: A sideslip would have lost the excess height, but the pilot had never flown one on this type and did not use it.
4. Lands long past the runway: To steepen the descent and clear a railway power line, speed was reduced; the glider landed beyond the far end of the runway.
5. Stops in a hedge; pilot hurt: It touched down just short of a hedge and came to rest in it, damaged; the pilot suffered serious back injuries.