Benalla’s Gliding Club of Victoria spokesman Tim Shirley said facts were still coming to light as police and the Gliding Federation Australia investigate the circumstances of the crash. 

“He was a well-known and well-respected member of the club for 15 years,” Mr Shirley said.

“He was the only person in the glider and it was a routine recreation flight he had undertaken before.”

Mr Shirley said the loss was being felt throughout the gliding community.

“The club is shocked,” he said.

“We’re feeling very much for him, his family and relatives.”

Mr Shirley said no one else was involved or injured in the incident and police and the federation would release facts as they came to light.

EARLIER REPORTS

A man has died following a glider crash in Benalla today.

Police confirmed the glider came down in a paddock on Murray Road, Benalla, shortly before 2pm.

The exact circumstances surrounding the incident are yet to be established.

Emergency crews responded but the man, who is yet to be formally identified, died at the scene.

Ambulance Victoria media office Paul Bentley said paramedics were called to the scene at 1.55pm.

Civil Aviation Safety Authority will attend and police remained on scene into the afternoon.

Police will prepare a report for the coroner.  

Border Mail