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Glider Pilot Killed in Local Airfield Tragedy
POLICE have named a glider pilot who died at an airfield on Sunday as 74-year-old Peter Manley.
Mr Manley, of Ashen Road, Clare, died after his glider crashed on take-off from a height of around 300ft at Ridgewell airfield, Ashen, on Sunday afternoon.
An air accident team has been at the scene investigating the crash, which may have been caused by a snapped cable as the glider, a DG 600, was wínched into the air.
The Rev Michael Hewitt, Vicar of Ridgewell, said residents of the village had
been shocked and saddened by the tragedy "It was a great shock, particuarly as I understand he had been flying for 30 years and never had an accident before," he said.
"Everyone was asking about it, but we did not automatically think it would be anyone local because people come from all over to the club.
"When we heard it was Peter it was worse. I think they have lived in the area for about Five years and their neighbours are all very upset."
A spokesman for Essex Police said the provisional cause of death was multiple injuries and an inquest was due to be opened and adjourned today He said police officers were called to the Essex Gliding Glub airfield at Pannel Ash Green, Ashen, just before 2pm on Sunday Mr Manley was pronounced dead at the
scene and the area was roped off overnight until accident investigators arrived.
A spokesman for Essex Gliding Club said: "Peter had been a member of the club for over 30 years and his friends and fellow club members are greatly saddened by this sudden loss.
"He made a considerable contribution to the club over the years as an instructor and gliding technical specialist. He was always willing to help other members with their gliders as well as taking a major role in maintainíng the club fleet.
"He also had many friends at other gliding clubs where he flew in Suffolk, Shropshire and Scotíand on annual holidays and glidmg club visits. Aviation was a large part of Peter's life and he delighted in flying his own glider and seeing the world from a different viewpoint."
A similar DG600 Glider is pictured.Story By: Jo Deeks
Date : 23-09-2005
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