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Lucky escape from glider crash south of Blenheim

Sunday, 31 December 2017

Two Marlborough people were rescued from the remote Blairich Range south of Blenheim on Sunday afternoon after the powered glider they were flying in crashed high on the mountainside.
Two Marlborough people were rescued from the remote Blairich Range south of Blenheim on Sunday afternoon after the powered glider they were flying in crashed high on the mountainside.

A man and a woman escaped without serious injury after their glider crashed high on a mountainside near Blenheim.

The pair had to be rescued by helicopter following the crash in the remote Blairich Range about 1.40pm on Sunday.

Two Marlborough people were rescued from the remote Blairich Range south of Blenheim on Sunday afternoon after the powered glider they were flying in crashed high on the mountainside.
Two Marlborough people were rescued from the remote Blairich Range south of Blenheim on Sunday afternoon after the powered glider they were flying in crashed high on the mountainside.

The powered glider suffered a catastrophic wing failure, causing it to spiral down about 457 metres before hitting a steep slope.

The two occupants received only minor injuries and were able to escape the wreckage and call emergency services.

Nelson-Marlborough Rescue Helicopter pilot Barry McAuliffe said the pair were extremely lucky to escape the crash with more serious injuries.

'Luckily with the steep terrain and how [the glider] was spinning at the time it seemed to somewhat cushion the impact.'

McAuliffe said the glider had a ballistic parachute on board, but it could not be deployed due to the broken wing.  

Both of the glider's occupants were taken to Wairau Hospital's emergency department for further assessment and treatment.