Media Release: Updated 1800hrs.
Sunday 1st may 2016
1500hrs
Western Bay of Plenty Police and other emergency services are currently attending the scene of a glider crash at Tauranga airport.
The crash occurred shortly before 3.00p.m on Sunday afternoon, 1st May 2016.
Only one person was on board; the pilot.
His condition is currently unavailable. He was attended to by ambulance staff at the scene and then taken to hospital.
Senior Sergeant Karl Konlechner
Bay of Plenty Police
District Command Centre
[Media note: This release will be updated when further information becomes available.
The pilot’s age, name and condition and other details are not being released by Police at this time. This is to allow Police the time to make contact with his family and advise them of the accident.]
Any urgent enquiries can be made to the Police National Media Advisor on 026 101 082.
Update: 1800hours Sunday 1st May 2016.
The Pilot of the glider is a local Katikati man aged 40 years.
He is currently in Tauranga Hospital Intensive Care Unit in a serious condition.
Please respect the privacy of the family who are having to deal with this very traumatic event.