SGS 1-35 stalls in a turnback after a low release on the pilot's first flight on type

A pilot was fatally injured when his SGS 1-35 stalled out of a low turn back toward the runway at Wurtsboro on his first flight in the glider. Recorded data showed him releasing from tow at about 50 m over the departure end of runway 23, already banked into a right turn, and stalling about 1.4 seconds later as the turn continued. He had told the wing runner that he was hesitant about the flight, although he owned the glider and another pilot had flown it the day before. The nose dropped about 90 degrees through the turn, and the glider struck a ramp area some 13 seconds later. Why he released at that height could not be determined.

1. First flight on a newly owned type: The pilot had 215 hours in all but none on the SGS 1-35, which he owned. He told the wing runner that he was hesitant, as it was his first flight in the glider.
2. Release at 50 m, already turning: Recorded data showed the glider release from tow at about 50 m over the departure end of runway 23, already in a 25 degree right bank. The reason was never established.
3. Turn continued back to the field: The glider carried the right turn on toward the airport, and the airspeed that the turn required was not maintained.
4. Stall 1.4 seconds after release: Recorded data placed the stall about 1.4 seconds after the release. Witnesses saw the nose drop about 90 degrees through the turn.
5. Impact on airport property: The glider struck a ramp area some 13 seconds after the stall, slid across a taxiway and came to rest on grass. The pilot was fatally injured.