COL Peterson, who died in a glider crash on Sunday

COL Peterson, who died in a glider crash on Sunday, was an experienced and
well-liked pilot, according to the treasurer of the Wagga Gliding Club.
Grant Johnson said the death of the 47-year-old Estella resident had shocked
the club.
"Gliding is not a particularly popular sport, so the people in the community
are very close," he said.
Mr Peterson was killed instantly on Sunday afternoon when, while preparing
to land, the glider spiralled out of control and crashed into the ground at
the club's Lockhart airfield.
"He was well liked within the club and that is why everyone is so
devastated," Mr Johnson said.
Mr Peterson was an experienced pilot and had flown with the club for about
five years, according to Mr Johnson.
He was also the joint clubperson of the year for the 2005/06 gliding season.
Mr Johnson had no explanation for the crash and said he was flying in fine
conditions.
"It really is a very tragic situation," he said.
"There was nothing strange about the aircraft or the weather."
The club treasurer said gliding was not a dangerous pastime, noting that all
sports and activities have risks attached.
"This is not a backyard pursuit, it is well regulated," he said.
"Things like this don't get swept under the carpet and it will be fully
investigated because there are lessons to be learnt from this accident."
Mr Peterson had been flying solo in a L13 Blanik aircraft on Sunday, as one
of 12 participating in a weekly club meeting.
The aircraft is described on the club's website as having been a mainstay of
glider trainers in Australia for more that 20 years.
Mr Peterson is survived by his wife Kerry, four children and three
grandchildren.
Wagga police are still investigating the cause of the accident and a report
is being prepared for the coroner.


http://www.riverinamediagroup.com.au...rticleID=13245

http://www.riverinamediagroup.com.au...rticleID=13277




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