WingFlaps schrieb:

Try reading the statement again, here it is:
"Now we add in the energy losses from having to accelerate with the
wind and to glide speed."

To summarise your missed point, the pilot control inputs cost energy
that is not factored into simple glide/time analysis.

This is absolutely correct. But then, I dont understand the connection
to your first statement regarding the wind. Additioinal drag by control
input is completely unrelated to the presence or non-presence of wind.

BTW, here's an example of a successful turn back from an engine failure
at 400ft! Mind you, this was *not* in a glider, but in an Antonov An-2,
pretty much a flying airbrake.

And before you ask: Yes, this is an accident report. But it only was an
accident because the ground was covered with soft snow so the plane
flipped over at touch down. Otherwise, the maneuvre would have been
successful. Even so, everybody walked away and the plane is flying again.

Here's the link to the report: http://www.bfu.admin.ch/common/pdf/1826_e.pdf