The New Zealanders were understood to be flying with a Namibian commercial operator. Photo / NZME.
The New Zealanders were understood to be flying with a Namibian commercial operator. Photo / NZME.
Gliding community, families left reeling after pilots confirmed dead in Namibia crash
The families of two New Zealanders who died in a gliding crash in a remote area of Namibia on Monday say they are devastated to lose two wonderful men.
David Speight, 72, and Bill Walker, 66, both of Queenstown, died early on Monday (New Zealand time), about 50km from Namibia'sgliding base.
The pair were on a reconnaissance flight when the incident happened and it is understood they were in a two-seater glider at the time.
A statement released by the men's families said it was understood they died on impact.
"Our families are devastated to lose such wonderful men and experienced pilots; we would like to thank our family and friends, and especially the extended gliding fraternity for their support."
Mr Speight first learned to glide at the Taieri Plains near Dunedin in 1959. His contribution to New Zealand gliding both as a role model and aviator "will be greatly missed", the families said.
Mr Walker started out gliding in the early 1970s and was influential in the development of the Omarama Airfield.
He also flew for New Zealand at many international gliding events.
