Glider dies after take-off crash

http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/england/shropshire/8076349.stm

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A glider pilot has been killed after his aircraft crashed on take-off at Long Mynd in Shropshire, police said.

The man, who was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident at the Midland Gliding Club, is thought to be aged in his 40s and from Worcestershire.

The pilot was trapped following the crash and had suffered serious multiple injuries, a West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said.

Air investigators have launched an inquiry into the accident.

"Unfortunately despite the best efforts of staff at the gliding club, the man's relatives and ambulance crews, nothing could be done to save the man and he was confirmed dead at the scene," an ambulance service spokesman said.

No-one else was hurt in the accident, which happened at about 1515 BST.

Inspector Amrik Klair, of Shrewsbury police, said the coroner had been informed of the death and a post-mortem would take place in due course.

The officer added: "We understand there were quite a few people in the area at the time and we would very much like to hear from anyone who may have taken any video footage or photographs of the incident, or seen what happened."

Anyone who can help is asked to contact Shrewsbury police on 0300 333 3000.