Glider Accident
NEAR BOWENVILLE, DARLING DOWNS QLD
WEDNESDAY 30 JULY 2025
Gliding Australia regrets to advise that a glider pilot operating from Darling Downs Soaring Club (DDSC) was involved in a fatal accident near McCaffrey Field, Bowenville late on the afternoon of Wednesday 30 July 2025.
The pilot, Daryl Speight, was conducting an initial test flight, using an aerotow launch, on a new AS33 Me self-launching glider, registered VH-8SP. Club members called for Search and Rescue assistance from AUSSAR when Daryl failed to return to the airfield. AUSSAR assistance was provided with a Rescue helicopter dispatched from Brisbane, which found glider wreckage at a crash site south of Bowenville, west of DDSC McCaffrey Field at 18:53. Emergency Services were immediately contacted and secured the accident site.
Daryl was an experienced pilot, who loved soaring flight and competition, enjoyed the friendship and support of club colleagues and was highly regarded by all.
The glider was a modern electric drive self-launching high-performance sailplane that had been recently given a CASA Certificate of Airworthiness and Certificate of Registration.
Our thoughts are foremost with Daryl’s family and friends, first responders and investigators, their colleagues in Darling Downs Soaring Club and the wider regional community. We are most concerned about their wellbeing. Professional counselling services are being provided. Gliding Australia members may wish to participate in Darling Downs Soaring Club events in the near future, to pay tributes to their valued friend.
At this point in the investigation the causes of the accident are unknown, and it is likely that will be the case for some time. Any reported contributing factors are, at this stage, speculation only. Gliding Australia is assessing many aspects of investigation in specialist inquiries. We are working with Police, Coronial authorities, aviation experts and club members to provide investigative assistance and make recommendations to reduce risks of recurrence.
Management Team
Gliding Australia
