3 May 2016

Glider pilot dies

12:37 pm on 3 May 2016

A glider pilot injured in a crash at Tauranga Airport has died in Waikato Hospital.

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Photo: 123rf.com

Gavin Harvey, 40, from Katikati sustained head and spinal injuries in the crash on Sunday.

The Waikato rescue helicopter was dispatched to Tauranga Hospital late that day, and an intensive care team helped fly Mr Harvey to the hospital in Hamilton.

Mr Harvey was the only occupant in the glider. His death has been referred to the coroner.

The Civil Aviation Authority is also investigating the crash.

A witness to the accident said Mr Harvey had been a reasonably new member of the Tauranga Gliding Club, having joined within the past year.