Allan Wood : Fatal Glider Crash Near Okotoks

Accident – Death – Obituary News : : 1. Glider crash Okotoks
2. Fatal glider accident Okotoks

A fatal glider accident occurred west of Okotoks, resulting in one death. Mounties responded to a call about an aircraft crash between Okotoks and Diamond Valley. The incident took place near the Cu Nim Gliding Club, where a national flight competition was being held. This tragedy is not the first in the area, as a previous fatal crash occurred in 2019. The investigation revealed that a collision avoidance device was not functioning properly, leading to the collision between a motor-powered plane and a glider. The gliding club’s Facebook page noted the start of the gliding season and the number of flights undertaken. Share this article for more awareness.

**Tragic Glider Accident Claims One Life in Okotoks Area**

A devastating glider accident has left one person dead in the area west of Okotoks. The incident occurred on a fateful Wednesday afternoon, prompting a swift response from local authorities. Mounties received a distress call about an aircraft crash around 1:30 p.m. in the vicinity between Okotoks and Diamond Valley.

Cpl. Gina Slaney of the RCMP provided details of the tragic event, stating that the crash site was located off Highway 7 east of Diamond Valley. Upon arrival, officers discovered the wreckage of a glider and a body blanket in a nearby field, approximately 100 meters from the crash site.

The glider accident took place near the Cu Nim Gliding Club, a popular spot for aviation enthusiasts in the region. While a flight instructor from the club expressed shock and sadness over the incident, he was unable to confirm any direct link between the club and the crash. However, he mentioned that a national flight competition was scheduled to take place at the club during the week.

This unfortunate event brings back memories of a previous fatal crash that occurred in the same area in 2019. Experienced glider pilot Allan Wood and Adam Leinweber lost their lives during a training flight at the Cu Nim Gliding Club on July 26, 2019. An investigation by the Transportation Safety Board revealed that a collision avoidance device, the PowerFLARM, was not operational at the time of the collision between the glider and a motor-powered plane.

The investigation report highlighted significant flaws in the maintenance and operation of the PowerFLARM, emphasizing the critical role of such devices in ensuring safe communication and navigation during flights. Despite the club’s official gliding season beginning in April with over 1,300 flights planned, the lapses in safety protocols were a cause for concern.

As the community mourns the loss of another life in a tragic aviation accident, questions arise about the overall safety measures and practices in place at the Cu Nim Gliding Club. Authorities are expected to conduct a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the recent crash and prevent similar incidents in the future.

The aviation community in the Okotoks area is reeling from this latest tragedy, as they come to terms with the loss of a fellow enthusiast. As details emerge and investigations continue, the focus remains on ensuring the safety and wellbeing of all those involved in gliding activities in the region.

In times of sorrow and uncertainty, the community stands united in support of the affected families and friends, offering condolences and strength during this difficult period. May the memories of those lost in these tragic incidents be cherished, and may their passion for aviation continue to inspire others to pursue their dreams with caution and diligence.