An in-flight battery fire was the likely cause of a fatal glider crash in Kaikohe three years ago.
Stock image of a glider. Photo: 123RF
The Civil Aviation Authority has released its report into the crash that killed the 72-year-old pilot in November 2017.
The glider was making an emergency descent and on approach to Kaikohe aerodrome, when it exceeded its speed limitations and broke up in-flight.
The investigation found the lithium polymer battery caught fire while the glider was soaring, and that "fumes and smoke" would have most likely filled the cockpit and caused the pilot to lose control of his glider.
The battery was a part of an electric motor used for self-launch take-offs and to sustain flights.
The CAA said it was the first battery fire onboard a glider to occur in New Zealand.
The authority's aviation safety deputy chief executive, Dean Winter, said it had prompted a warning to aviators that batteries must be charged and properly maintained according to the manufacturer's instructions.
If battery damage was suspected due to a sudden impact, they must be checked before flying again.
"Battery fires burn at a very fast rate releasing significant energy and toxic fumes. Within seconds a cockpit can be filled with toxic smoke. These fires can be deadly and spread quickly," Winter said.
He said the CAA was also concerned that any lithium polymer battery in any device or aircraft could cause a fire.
Winter said aviators should consider installing fire detection, containment and fire proofing systems.
The experienced pilot, who also held a helicopter pilot licence, was a member of the local gliding club.
