A 65-year-old Calgary man was pronounced dead after a single-occupant glider crashed near Highway 7, south of Calgary, Alta., Diamond Valley Fire Rescue confirmed.
They said the call came in at around 1:30 p.m. Wednesday.
Fire crews arrived but the person was already dead.
RCMP said the Diamond Valley detachment responded to what was reported as an “airplane crash” at around 1:30 p.m. The crash happened in a field south of Highway 7 and 112th Street.
Mounties confirmed Wednesday night that the victim was 65 years old and a resident of Calgary.
The Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) said it will deploy a team of investigators to the scene at Black Diamond/Cu Nim Airport near Diamond Valley.
The Cu Nim Gliding Club confirmed “a respected member” died in an incident during the national soaring competition being held between May 22-31.
“The lost pilot was an accomplished glider pilot, an active and reliable glider flight instructor, a regular participant in competitions, and a long-serving former president of the gliding club,” current president Patrick McMahon and event manager Christopher Gough said in a news release.
The club said the pilot who died was passionate about many things, including their family, their dogs, their clients and motorcycle riding.
They said the pilot “will be missed by many.”
“Our thoughts and deepest sympathies go out to all those who knew and admired this remarkable individual. Their passion for flight and their contributions to our club, and the gliding community, will always be remembered and celebrated.”
Diamond Valley is about 60 kilometres southwest of Calgary.