Dunstable Downs: Glider pilot dies in crash during take-off

The crash happened close to London Gliding Club

A glider pilot has died in a crash during take-off.

The London Gliding Club, based at Dunstable Downs, Bedfordshire, said there was a "serious accident" at about 12:30 BST on Wednesday.

Bedfordshire Police said a man in his 40s was pronounced dead at the scene and are appealing for witnesses.

The next of kin were aware of the incident and there was no indication yet what caused the crash, the club said.

The Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) sent a team of inspectors to the site to gather evidence.

The Beds, Cambs and Herts Serious Collision Investigation Unit is also investigating.

A club spokeswoman said the British Gliding Association was also carrying out an investigation, and added: "At the present time there is no indication of the cause of the accident."

An AAIB spokeswoman said on Wednesday: "An accident in Dunstable was reported to the AAIB this afternoon and we have deployed a field team to investigate."