Ventus cT spirals in after a winch launch; severe heart disease found

A pilot was fatally injured when a Ventus cT pitched down and spiralled into the ground moments after a winch launch at Hütten-Hotzenwald; the glider was destroyed. The launch was normal, and the glider held its climb for about four seconds after the cable released. It then pitched forward and, four seconds later, rolled over the right wing into a spiral, hitting the ground after about one and a half turns. No technical fault was found. An autopsy found severe coronary artery disease, consistent with a sudden incapacitation as the probable cause of the loss of control.

1. Normal winch launch, runway 29: A Ventus cT winch-launched from runway 29 at Hütten-Hotzenwald for a local flight, the pilot's third launch of the day; the launch was normal to release.
2. Pilot's severe heart disease: An autopsy later found severe coronary artery disease indicating repeated cardiac oxygen shortage.
3. Holds climb after release: After the cable released the glider held its climb for about four seconds.
4. Pitches forward, likely disabled: The glider then pitched forward, consistent with a sudden incapacitation of the pilot.
5. Rolls into a right-hand spiral: About four seconds later it rolled over the right wing into a spiral.
6. Impacts after about 1.5 turns: After about one and a half turns, some six seconds in all, the glider struck the ground about 100 m from the winch; the pilot was fatally injured and the glider destroyed.