Kerry Stevenson, a Calgary Realtor and an avid gliding enthusiast with a longstanding passion for the sport, tragically lost his life in a glider accident south of the city.
The Cu Nim Gliding Club confirmed that the 65-year-old, who served as the club's past president, was the individual fatally injured during a national soaring competition near Okotoks on Thursday afternoon.
Described as a mentor within the gliding community, Stevenson played a pivotal role in shaping the flying careers of many Cu Nim glider pilots over the years, serving as a dependable flight instructor and contributing to the club's leadership as a former president as recently as 2019.
In addition to his dedication to gliding, Stevenson was also known as a grandfather, motorcyclist, dog-lover, and respected realtor among his colleagues. His passing leaves a profound void within the gliding club and the broader communities where he made meaningful contributions.
The tragic incident is currently under investigation by the federal Transportation Safety Board. Initial reports suggest that Stevenson attempted a parachute escape following a malfunction of his glider, which was described as a newer model. His body was discovered approximately 100 meters from the crash site near Highway 7, close to the Cu Nim Glider Club air strip west of Okotoks.
Following Stevenson's untimely death, participants in the competition, including individuals from both the U.S. and Canada, decided to conclude the event two days ahead of schedule.
This devastating accident marks another somber chapter for the Cu Nim Gliding Club, which has previously experienced fatalities in glider accidents. Notably, experienced glider pilot Allan Wood and Adam Leinweber lost their lives during a training flight at the club in July 2019 when their glider collided with a small motorized aircraft.
A subsequent investigation by the TSB revealed shortcomings in the operation of collision avoidance equipment on the motorized plane, shedding light on the circumstances leading to the tragic collision.
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