Accident to the Schempp Hirth Ventus 2C registered F-CIGJ on 22/08/2023 at Issoire
Pilot incapacitation while being towed, loss of control during final approach, collision with ground
While holding on the ground and during the take-off, the high temperatures and lack of cloud exposed the pilot to difficult conditions. After the canopy was closed, in the confined space of the cockpit with limited ventilation, the effects of the ambient heat would have been amplified. These conditions would have drastically increased the workload of the heart and affected the pilot's hydration levels, and might have caused faintness.
The pilot probably realised that he was not able to continue the flight and released the cable early in order to return to the aerodrome quickly. The large variations in the glider's pitch attitude and altitude illustrate a possible deterioration in the pilot's performance, until the loss of control and collision with the ground.
It is likely that the pilot was unaware of the deterioration in his cardiovascular health.