ASW 20 L loses control on winch launch after cardiac incapacitation

The pilot of an ASW 20 L was fatally injured after losing control during a winch launch climb at Ambri; aircraft destroyed. After a normal transition the glider climbed in a left turn to about 50 m AGL and continued turning with no observed control inputs; after the winch driver reduced power it dropped almost vertically onto grass beside the runway. The probable cause was incapacitation from a sudden cardiac event: the pilot had severe pre-existing coronary disease with a prior heart attack and was likely unconscious before impact, yet had recently been certified fit to fly.

1. Winch launch climb: During a winch launch from Ambri military airfield, the ASW 20L transitioned from ground roll into the initial climb normally.
2. Onset of medical event: Shortly after liftoff, the pilot likely suffered an incapacitating cardiac event during the winch launch climb, impairing his ability to control the glider.
3. Pre-existing heart disease: The pilot had severe coronary artery disease with evidence of a prior myocardial infarction and prior hospitalisation for coronary problems, creating a high risk of sudden incapacitation.
4. No control inputs: As the glider climbed in a left turn to about 50 m AGL, no pilot control reactions were observed despite the increasing deviation from the normal winch launch trajectory.
5. Loss of control descent: After the winch driver reduced power, the glider continued its left turn without apparent control and entered an almost vertical, uncontrolled descent toward the ground.
6. Crash - fatal: The glider impacted the grass area beside the paved runway nearly vertically, was destroyed, and the pilot, likely already incapacitated or dead before impact, sustained fatal injuries.