A glider pilot has died in a crash in the Hunter Range near Lake Hawea in Otago while taking part in a competition.
Police say they received a report at about 5.30pm of a glider crash in the area.
A helicopter was deployed from Queenstown with a paramedic and police on board to find the crash site, said Inspector Olaf Jensen, Otago Lakes Central Area Commander.
But while it was responding, a person in a privately owned fixed wing aircraft located the wreckage.
When emergency services arrived at the scene, the sole occupant of the glider was found dead.
Police are working to establish the identity of the deceased and will then begin the process of notifying the man’s family, Mr Jensen said.
The man was taking part in a glider competition at the time of the crash, he said.
The death will be referred to the coroner and the Civil Aviation Authority will be notified, Mr Jensen said.
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