A woman in her 50s has died and a man in his 60s has been seriously injured in a glider crash at a private airfield in central Tasmania. The incident occurred at Tunbridge Airfield just before 2pm on Sunday during the launch phase of the flight.
The woman was participating in an 'air experience' flight with the Soaring Club of Tasmania, flying as a student in a Twin Astir two-seat glider. The instructor, a man in his 60s, was at the controls. The glider was being towed by the club's Eurofox towplane when the crash occurred.
Emergency services were called to the scene, where the woman was pronounced dead. The instructor was airlifted to Royal Hobart Hospital in a serious condition. The woman's husband was present at the airfield at the time of the crash.
Soaring Club members provided immediate assistance before emergency services arrived. Gliding Australia expressed condolences and stated it will cooperate fully with Tasmanian Police as investigations continue.
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau was notified but typically does not investigate glider incidents. Tasmania Police will lead the initial investigation.
