'Air experience' student killed in crash during glider's launch phase
A woman in her 50s was taking an "air experience" flight along with an instructor when they crashed during the take-off towing phase, as her husband watched.
9 hours agoMon 29 Dec 2025 at 2:00am
A file photo of a two-seat glider, similar to one involved in the crash. (Supplied: Gliding Australia)
In short:
A woman in her 50s was taking an "air experience" flight along with an instructor when they crashed in central Tasmania during the take-off towing phase.
The woman died and the instructor — a man in his 60s — was seriously injured. The woman's husband was at the airfield during the incident.
What's next?
A Tasmania Police investigation is ongoing.
A fatal glider crash in Tasmania's midlands on Sunday occurred during the launch phase when the glider was being towed airborne by a powered aircraft.
A woman in her 50s died at the scene and a man in his 60s was airlifted to the Royal Hobart Hospital in a serious condition after the crash at the private Tunbridge Airfield just before 2pm.
The woman was participating as a "flight student" in a Soaring Club of Tasmania "air experience", and the man was the instructor, flying in a Twin Astir two-seat glider used for flight training.
The club sells "air experience" vouchers for an instructor to take the voucher holder up for a 20-minute flight above central Tasmania.
A glider being towed by aircraft during 'launch' phase, pictured during a non-related incident. (Soaring Tasmania)
Passengers get moments they "can fly the aircraft under the guidance of an instructor", outside of landing and take-off.
The glider had already completed one flight that day.
A larger group of people were at the airfield at the time, including the woman's husband.
Soaring Club members provided immediate assistance before emergency services arrived.
Accident occurred during tow launch
In a statement, Gliding Australia said it extends its condolences to family and friends of those involved.
"The accident occurred during the launch phase while the glider was being towed by the club's Eurofox towplane," the statement reads.
"Gliding Australia will cooperate fully with Tasmanian Police as investigations continue.
"The investigation will examine operational, technical, and airworthiness factors, including evidence collection and data analysis."
Towing by a powered aircraft is a common method of launch, during which the glider is attached via a towrope and towing hooks.