Glider crash hits two communities

The deaths of a pilot and passenger of a glider that crashed into a Taupo¯ mountain over the weekend has devastated the gliding community and left the Islamic community of Wellington grief stricken.

Taupo¯ Gliding Club members are mourning the loss of the local man in his 70s who was one of two people killed when the ASK21 glider crashed into Mt Tauhara on Sunday afternoon.

‘‘He was a valued member and a friend. We are devastated by the loss,’’ club president Tim Norman said yesterday.

‘‘We are a close-knit club and he was widely known in the club. He very much enjoyed his gliding here and in France where he lived part of the time.’’

Norman said the club was also devastated for the loss of the 43-year-old woman passenger.

Wellington’s Islamic community is rallying to support the man whose wife was killed in the crash, a tragic end to the couple’s holiday weekend in Taupo¯ .

International Muslim Association of New Zealand president Tahir Nawaz told Stuff he had spent time with the man yesterday and was offering support to him and the family.

‘‘I recall when they got engaged and I remember meeting her at the time, she was just such a lovely person. She was very humble, peaceful and kind.

‘‘I think (they) were an exemplary couple. His wife did a lot of travel between Wellington and Auckland. They were a very friendly couple and very generous. They were always helping us out with community projects.’’

The glider crashed into the mountain on the western side not far from the top amid dense bush a few hundred metres from the walking track.

A specialist team recovered the pair’s bodies by helicopter on Monday and transported them back to the Taupo¯ Airport where a service was held.

Gathering with family at the airport for a karakia was an emotional time, Norman said.

‘‘It was a very moving and touching event and greatly appreciated.’’

It was understood that the woman’s body was transported back to Wellington where her funeral is believed to have been held last night.

Members of the Islamic Community and Kilbirnie Mosque were offering support and helping with funeral arrangements.

Taupo¯ police Senior Sergeant Fane Troy said the Transport and Accident Investigation Commission would investigate.