Motorized Glider Crashes After Engine Fails to Start

The pilot of a motorized glider was taken to North Hawaii Community Hospital Sunday in stable condition after he crashed while attempting a landing at the Waimea airport.

A fire department spokesman said the 80-year-old pilot, who was not identified, was approaching the runway but found the glider had inadequate lift. The pilot was unable to start the aircraft’s engine and was forced to make a landing in a pasture 150 yards short of the runway.

The pilot told paramedics arriving at the scene at 10:20 a.m. that he was suffering pain to his sternum from the harness sustained in the impact.

The aircraft made of carbon fiber and valued at $250,000 sustained moderate damage, the spokesman said