The NTSB statistics quoted in the EAA article entirely endorses the above.
They state that in the 6 year study only ONE turnback was successful.
Turnbacks had a 29 % fatality rate, straight ahead landings 8 % .
Stalling during the turnback was a huge risk and resulted in a 70 % Fatality rate.
The author of the article was a shuttle commander so knows a thing or three about gliding and energy management !
Whatever you fly, the article is well worth a read.