Investigators head to glider crash site

Air crash investigators are travelling to the site of what is being called a "tragic" fatal glider crash in Otago.

A Japanese tourist died when his glider crashed on Mount St Cuthbert, near Omarama, 119km northwest of Oamaru, about 2pm yesterday.

The accident, which has also left the dead man's instructor seriously injured, has hit the gliding community hard, police say.

The pilot was experienced, with more than 1000 hours flying experience, Sergeant Tony Woodbridge of Oamaru police said.

Police were waiting for confirmation from the Japanese Consulate that his next of kin had been told, but he hoped to name the man today, Mr Woodbridge told NZPA.

The other man in the glider was an instructor from England who now lived in Oamaru.

The 70-year-old was in a serious condition in Dunedin Hospital, Mr Woodbridge said. He had about 22,000 hours flying experience.

"He's a bit of a legend within the gliding circles up there. Everyone knew him very, very well, so they're hurting."

The Civil Aviation Authority was heading out to the site mid morning today with police to investigate the cause of the crash.

"It was a lovely day up there. It was just very, very tragic," Mr Woodbridge said.

The glider was owned by GlideOmarama.

Its owner Gavin Willis said both pilots were familiar with flying in the area.

They were beginning a training flight when the crash occurred, he told the Otago Daily Times.

- NZPA




Civil Aviation Authority inspectors are expected to arrive at the crash site this morning.

- NEWSTALK ZB