Full Frontal Deflation off Launch - PG Injury

An excellent and experienced pilot took a frontal deflation off launch at a mtn. site in strong conditions. There was not sufficient altitude to recover despite his high skill level and correct responses to the event. The injury was to a single vertebrae - slight compression. Pilots are reminded that an assymetric deflation can be steered straight but a frontal simply takes time and altitude to recover. Also, as an aside, a glider that is old or out of trim will recover more slowly - consuming more altitude. It is recommended to learn your particular gliders full frontal recovery behavior in the proper environment with a coach.