A novice hang-glider pilot was mildly drunk and trying a difficult move not even experts would attempt when he fatally crashed near Wellington, a coroner says.
Coroner Garry Evans has found 47-year-old Andrew Cairns of Levin was flying a glider which wasn't airworthy when he died on the Paekakariki Hill, in February 2011.
Mr Cairns had been warned by an experienced pilot not to try a difficult manoeuvre because it was dangerous due to the unpredictable winds.
Coroner Evans has recommended the Civil Aviation Authority review the way fitness warrants for hang-gliders are handed out
He also recommended it review its training process and medical self-declarations, after Mr Cairns failed to disclose his three previous drink-driving convictions.
