A woman killed in Sunday’s tragic glider crash at the Soaring Club of Tasmania on Tunbridge Tier Road was an air experience flight student, Gliding Australia has confirmed.
The accident occurred at approximately 1:52pm on Sunday at the Soaring Club of Tasmania, claiming the life of the woman in her 50s – whose husband was among those present at the airfield.
Gliding Australia released a statement confirming the two-seat glider was conducting a training flight when it crashed during the launch phase while being towed by the club’s Eurofox towplane.
“The accident involved an instructor and an air experience flight student,” the organisation said.
“Members of the Soaring Club of Tasmania rendered immediate assistance at the scene until emergency services arrived.”
“The student was pronounced deceased at the site.”
The male instructor, aged in his mid-60s, sustained critical injuries in the crash and was airlifted to the Royal Hobart Hospital for treatment.
Tasmania Police Inspector Aleena Crack said the incident had deeply affected those present at what the Soaring Club of Tasmania described as an otherwise “normal flying day” at the facility.
“There was a larger group of people at the airfield at the time and this is obviously a tragic outcome for these families and friends,” Crack said.
The aircraft involved was a Twin Astir two-seat glider used for flight training, and the flight was reportedly the glider’s second of the day.
Gliding Australia has expressed condolences to those affected by the tragedy.
“Gliding Australia extends its sincere condolences to the family and friends of those affected, as well as to members of the Soaring Club of Tasmania and the wider Tasmanian aviation community,” the organisation said.
The cause of the crash is now under investigation.
