The RCMP and Transportation Safety Board of Canada are investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash of a glider in the Columbia Valley last Friday evening (July 10).

A glider pilot remains in hospital in critical condition, after crashing his aircraft in a remote area to the east of Invermere Friday evening.

On July 10, at 6:45 p.m., Columbia Valley RCMP received a report that a glider aircraft had crashed near Pedley Pass. The pilot of a secondary glider aircraft flying in the area made the discovery, reported the crash site to airport operations who called 911.

Columbia Valley Search and Rescue, which was activated by Emergency Management BC, reached the crash scene and managed to remove the pilot from the aircraft’s cockpit. The pilot, who was breathing, was attended to by a physician who is part of the search and rescue team.

The pilot, a Kelowna man in his 70s, suffered serious injuries and was rushed to hospital aboard the search and rescue aircraft. Police have been told that he has since been airlifted in critical condition to a larger centre for further medical treatment.

RCMP has notified and continue to support the Transportation Safety Board of Canada, which has also launched an investigation into the aviation incident.

If you witnessed this incident and have not yet spoken to police you are asked to call the Columbia Valley RCMP at 250-342-9292.

Lead image: The crashed glider near Pedley Pass. CVSAR photo

Southeast District RCMP

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