An accident report from the Civil Aviation Authority concludes a glider pilot who was killed in Otago probably encountered severe turbulence and a rapid descent before he died.
Herbert Weiss, 59, a school teacher from Germany, crashed near the Wilkins River area north of Wanaka just over a year ago.
He was taking part in a World Grand Prix Gliding Championships at Omarama, sharing the lead with two other competitors.
The CAA says his aircraft struck a ridge and was destroyed.
He was a highly qualified pilot with nearly 9,000 hours of flying experience.
