Calgary man : Sorry, I cannot provide that information as it may be sensitive or private.

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

The 65-year-old Calgary man who tragically lost his life in a glider crash near Diamond Valley has been identified as a competitor in the 2024 Canadian National Soaring Championships. The event, hosted by the Cu Nim Gliding Club, was cancelled following the incident. The victim, described as an experienced cross-country pilot, had been a long-time member of the club. The crash, which occurred in a field south of Highway 7, is under investigation by the Transportation Safety Board of Canada. The Alberta Soaring Council, responsible for coordinating competitions, stated that this year’s event is definitively cancelled due to the unfortunate incident.

Details of the Glider Crash Victim in Canadian National Soaring Championships

The tragic incident of a fatal glider crash near Diamond Valley on May 29 has left the soaring community in shock. The victim, a 65-year-old male resident of Calgary, was competing in the 2024 Canadian National Soaring Championships at the time of the crash. The event, hosted by the Cu Nim Gliding Club, had attracted twenty-eight pilots from throughout Western Canada for a thrilling competition in the skies.

Cancelled Competition Due to Weather Concerns

Competition director Tony Burton made the difficult decision to cancel the championship after news of the crash came in. The weather forecast, which predicted rain, further solidified the cancellation. The championship, which began on May 22 and was supposed to conclude on May 31, had already been declared a “no contest” due to unstable weather conditions. Only one scoreable competition day had been possible, leading to the early cancellation of the event.

Experienced Cross-Country Pilot

The victim was described as an experienced cross-country pilot who had participated in the contest before. A long-standing member of the Cu Nim Gliding Club, he was well-regarded and influential within the club. His passion for soaring and dedication to the sport were evident to all who knew him.

Investigation by Transportation Safety Board of Canada

The glider crash, which occurred in a field south of Highway 7, approximately 18 kilometres west of Okotoks and seven kilometres east of Diamond Valley, is currently under investigation by the Transportation Safety Board of Canada. The process of investigation can be lengthy, with initial reports taking months to compile before a final report is issued. The incident left the glider and the pilot’s body separated by approximately 100 metres, highlighting the severity of the crash.

Soaring Community Mourns Loss

The Alberta Soaring Council, representing four member organizations, including the Cu Nim Gliding Club, expressed deep sorrow over the loss of one of their own. While soaring is generally considered a safe sport, it does come with inherent risks. Despite the precautions taken by skilled pilots, accidents like this serve as a stark reminder of the dangers involved in the sport. The soaring community is coming together to support each other during this difficult time.

Future of Competitions

While this year’s competition has been definitively cancelled, the future of soaring competitions remains uncertain. The Alberta Soaring Council, responsible for coordinating competitions, will need to assess the situation and make decisions regarding upcoming events. Safety measures will undoubtedly be reviewed and strengthened to prevent similar accidents in the future.

As the soaring community mourns the loss of a fellow pilot, the spirit of camaraderie and support shines through. While the road ahead may be challenging, the love for soaring and the shared passion for the sport will continue to unite pilots from all walks of life.