Pilot dead after glider crash near Blenheim

Investigators are on their way to the scene of a fatal crash near of Blenheim, the second glider pilot to die in the last 24 hours.

The crash, approximately 7km south of Blenheim on Orchard Spur near the Taylor Pass area, killed a 55 year old man.

The dead man was an experienced glider pilot who lived and worked in Blenheim, Constable Bill Talbot of Blenheim Police search and rescue said.

The glider left Omaka Airfield about 8.30am yesterday and the pilot intended to fly south to the Lake Coleridge area near Mt Hut and then return to Blenheim, a round trip of about 12 hours, Mr Talbot said.

A search for the plane was launched after the tow pilot raised the alarm about 9.30pm yesterday.

The wreckage of the glider was found about 3am today.

Civil Aviation Authority investigations into the cause of the crash will start today.

The crash was the second fatal glider incident in the last 24 hours after a novice pilot died when his glider crashed south west of Auckland yesterday.

- NZPA