Glider pilot aimed at crossing poles

An experienced pilot purposely aimed his glider's wings to crossing poles outside a Paraparaumu school to break speed during an emergency landing yesterday.

The 45-year-old glider instructor, with nine years experience, escaped uninjured when the aircraft crashed on the footpath outside St Patrick's School on Tongariro Street just after 11am.

Kapiti Sergeant Mike George said the man was on a routine flight when he was caught in down draught.

While heading back to the airfield, the pilot was forced to make an emergency landing as the draught got too strong, and he was getting too low.

"He had 100 metres of street left before he crossed an intersection, and crashed into a building," Mr George said.

"By hitting obstructions in the way, it slowed him down and stopped him at about 50 metres.

"He said the training kicked-in. You just stay calm and do the things that you are trained to do. He did everything perfectly."

Mr George said it was fortunate no one was on the road at the time of the crash-landing.

The glider landed partially on the footpath, and partially on the road.

The Civil Aviation Authority is investigating.

- NZPA