The wreckage of a glider reported missing from Omarama last night has been found, and its pilot is dead, Maritime NZ says.
The glider crashed in the Ben Ohau Range, northwest of Twizel, and it was discovered about 7pm today.
The glider was reported missing by Omarama Gliding about 8.20pm yesterday, and six planes and two choppers have been searching for it today.
Gliding New Zealand provided observers for the search aircraft and an advisor at RCCNZ.
The glider pilot did not leave a flight plan.
The pilot had a radio on board and the last contact was made at 2.06pm yesterday, when he was flying at the north end of the Benmore Range.
He was carrying a personal locator beacon, which was not activated.
The cause of the crash is not yet known and the accident has been referred to the Civil Aviation Authority.
