At approximately 3:30PM, Yavapai County Sheriff’s deputies were called to an aircraft down on Morning Star Ranch Road, east of Coyote Springs Road in Prescott Valley. EMS personnel were already on scene from the Central Yavapai Fire District and pronounced the male pilot deceased.
The glider was launched while connected to a vehicle with a tow line. Once altitude is gained behind the moving vehicle, the tow line will be released allowing the aircraft to operate on its own. At some point during takeoff/tow and after gaining altitude, the aircraft appeared to lose control and descend rapidly, striking the ground and killing the pilot. There were several witnesses to the crash. Specific cause is unknown.
Identification of the pilot is being verified. The NTSB has been notified. Investigation is ongoing.