Waipu builder and volunteer fireman Andrew Michael Scotland (34) was a passenger on a hang-glider flown by Skytrek Tandem Hang Gliding pilot Gerado Bean (27), of Argentina, which collapsed during a steep left-hand turn and fell 300m on March 10, 2009.
After an inquest hearing at the Queenstown District Court, Otago-Southland regional coroner David Crerar found both men died of "haemorrhage and shock from multiple severe injuries", consistent with the effect of high-speed ground impact.
Mr Scotland's injuries included cardiac aortic and hepatic lacerations.
Mr Crerar said the injuries were the result of the pilot "executing manoeuvres which were beyond the safe design capability of the hang-glider, causing it to collapse and fall".
Mr Scotland had been in Queenstown competing in the United Fire Brigades Association's national waterways competition and had stayed on with eight others, to take part in the morning flight with Mr Bean.
The hang-glider took off from an area known as The Knoll on the Remarkables and crashed on to Mee's Field on the Remarkable Ski Field Rd about 10.15am.
Mr Scotland's pregnant wife Pauline saw the fall, along with several other witnesses.
Mr Scotland's father, Richard, said he had not seen the coroner's report yet, but he was pleased the process was finished.
He said his family had been working hard to pick up the pieces after Mr Scotland's death, and had managed to move on from the tragedy.
"The accident happened two years ago.
"The coroner's done his piece and we're just getting on with things."
Northland Fire Regional Commander Trevor Andrews described Mr Scotland as a man who "took life by the throat" and enjoyed challenging himself, which led him to compete in the waterways competition and try hang-gliding.
He was a fine example of someone who contributed to his community and he would be sorely missed.
