Depends how high you are of course.
LAND AHEAD!! Only slight turns to avoid obstructions, that is the golden rule for us average pilots.
You will have a 90% chance of survival if you land "under control", I.E. flying and not stalled. Think of the increase in stall speed to pull off a 180 deg turn not to mention the extra rate of decent. If you have taken off into wind, which one would hope, think of the increase in G/S even as a percentage, on landing, trying to land on a reciprocal heading from a T/O as been mentioned previously. Have you ever seen a bird attempt to land downwind? No. So there is your answer.
Even if you loose the wings etc., on deceleration, it will help to absorb the impact forces. Just like a break fall in sport. The a/c will most likely be totalled but you will probably survive. The a/c can be replaced.
If you are in a turn and stall or dig a wing, you are dead, period.
I cannot speak for the Saturn V rocket but I have flown some high performance a/c and always pre briefed myself, "LAND AHEAD" within reason but never think about turning back.
I am talking powered flight here, as I have never flown a glider I am not qualified to comment.
Last edited by doubleu-anker; 20th November 2008 at 03:31.