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Glider pilot hurt in Waimea crash

Hawaii 24/7 Staff

A motorized glider crashed Sunday morning near the Waimea-Kohala Airport, injuring its 80-year-old pilot, according to the Fire Department.

The pilot complained of chest pain caused by the glider’s harness on impact, when rescue crews arrived at about 10:20 a.m.

He was transported to North Hawaii Community Hospital in stable condition.

The glider crashed in a pasture about 150 yards southeast of the airport’s runway.

The Carbon Fiber Motorized Glider model ASH 25 MI reportedly suffered engine failure during its approach to landing.

According to the fire dispatch: During approach to land while in glider mode, pilot experienced inadequate lift while turning from downwind to base leg of landing pattern. Pilot attempted to start engine in an attempt to make it to the runway, but the engine failed to start, resulting in a forced landing in a pasture approximately 150 yards southeast of the runway.

Officials said the glider sustained moderate damage to the empennage, fuselage, landing gear, wing and tail sections.

It is valued at approximately $250,000.

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