LAK-17 stalls after a pull-up from a fast downwind approach

The pilot was killed and the glider destroyed when a LAK-17 racing glider stalled and spun during a pull-up on approach. Returning to a mountain airfield, the pilot chose to land downwind on the runway leading to parking, despite a gusty north wind favouring the other direction. He turned onto final early, arrived high and fast above the recommended approach speed, and drifted left of the runway. With little landing distance left, he pulled up to reposition; the airspeed fell sharply and the glider spun in from low height. An aft centre of gravity from an overfilled fin ballast tank, limited preparation, and low experience contributed.

1. Approach to a mountain airfield: Returning from a cross-country, the pilot set up to land at a restricted mountain airfield.
2. Downwind landing chosen: He chose to land downwind on the runway leading to parking, though a gusty north wind favoured the opposite direction.
3. High and fast on final: He turned onto final early and arrived high and fast, above the recommended approach speed, drifting left of the runway.
4. Pull-up to reposition: With little landing distance left, he pulled up to regain height and reposition for another circuit.
5. Airspeed decayed to the stall: During the climb the airspeed fell sharply and the glider began to roll.
6. Spin into the ground: The glider departed into a spin from low height and struck the ground; the pilot was killed.