Pilot dies in glider crash

Police have named a glider pilot killed after his aircraft crashed near Omarama yesterday.

He was Gregory John Brosnan, 44, of Hawea Flat, near Wanaka.

Emergency services were alerted to the crash after wreckage was sighted by other glider pilots on the Omarama Saddle, just after 4pm.

Police yesterday recovered Mr Brosnan's body from the site, which is accessible only by air.

The site, known by pilots as the Omarama ridge, is rocky and at an altitude of about 1748m (5735ft). It is about 20km from Omarama.

Police said the pilot was the sole occupant of the single-seater glider and it appeared he had misjudged the hill. The front of the glider and the cockpit were extensively damaged.

The man was not taking part in national gliding championships being held at Omarama this week. A post-mortem examination on Mr Brosnan will be carried out and his death referred to the local coroner.

Police officers have done an initial scene investigation and the Transport Accident Investigation Commission has also been advised.

It is believed to be the sixth death in glider accidents in New Zealand since 1997.

- NZPA