A pilot who died in a glider crash at Ridgewell Airfield may have collapsed before the aircraft hit the ground.

The man, who lived at Cold Norton, near Maldon, was pronounced dead at the scene.

The glider came down in a remote spot on the former Second World War airbase, near Halstead, just after taking off at about 2.20pm yesterday (Sunday).

The wings of the Slingsby Swallow were ripped away from the body of the aircraft which was destroyed on impact.

Emergency services were unable to save the man. Insp Tony Sale, of Halstead police, said: "The pilot was confirmed dead at the scene."

Police believe the pilot may have been taken ill in the cockpit before the glider crashed. Witnesses say he made no attempt to control the plane after it was towed in to the air.

A police spokesman said: "As it took off it appears the pilot made no effort to steer the aircraft or release the winch cables.

"We don't know how high the aircraft was but it was still taking off so it couldn't have been very high."

He confirmed no other aircraft were involved. The pilot was the only person in the glider. Air accident investigators were at the scene until 11.30pm.

The remains of the aircraft were cordoned off by police while they sifted through the wreckage.

The Air Accident Investigation Bureau and British Glider Club have launched separate inquiries in to the tragedy.

A spokesman for the Essex Glider Club, who witnessed the crash, said the glider had landed heavily but refused to comment further.

"It is being investigated by the Air Accident Investigation Bureau and we don't have any further information yet," he said.

An Air Investigation Bureau spokesman said: "We are investigating the crash and will produce a report in due course."

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