(Tunbridge, Tasmania – December 29, 2025) — A woman died and a man was seriously injured in a glider crash during a training flight in Tasmania’s midlands on Sunday.
A glider crashed during a launch phase at Tunbridge Airfield, resulting in one fatality and another injury.
- A woman in her 50s died at the scene of the glider crash.
- A man in his 60s, the glider’s instructor, was airlifted to the Royal Hobart Hospital in serious condition.
- The crash occurred during the launch phase of a “flight experience” offered by the Soaring Club of Tasmania.
- Tasmania Police will conduct the initial investigation into the incident.
The crash occurred just before 2 p.m. at the private Tunbridge Airfield, according to reports. The woman was participating in a Soaring Club of Tasmania “air experience” as a flight student, and the man was her instructor, flying a Twin Astir two-seat glider used for flight training.
Accident Occurred During Tow Launch
The glider was being towed airborne by a powered aircraft when the crash occurred, Gliding Australia said in a statement. The organization extends its condolences to the family and friends of those involved.
The Soaring Club of Tasmania sells “air experience” vouchers that allow participants to fly with an instructor for a 20-minute flight over central Tasmania. Passengers are given the opportunity to “fly the aircraft under the guidance of an instructor,” excluding during landing and take-off.
According to reports, the glider had already completed one flight earlier in the day. A group of people, including the woman’s husband, were present at the airfield at the time of the crash. Soaring Club members provided immediate assistance before emergency services arrived.
Gliding Australia stated that it will fully cooperate with Tasmanian Police as the investigation continues. The investigation will examine “operational, technical, and airworthiness factors, including evidence collection and data analysis,” according to the organization’s statement.
Towing by a powered aircraft is a common launch method, involving the glider being attached to a towplane via a towrope and hooks. The towrope is typically released once the glider reaches the desired altitude and position.
The crash was reported to the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB), but the ATSB does not generally investigate glider incidents. The initial investigation will be carried out by Tasmania Police.
“The investigation will examine operational, technical, and airworthiness factors, including evidence collection and data analysis,” Gliding Australia said in a statement.
