LASHAM Gliding Society (LGS) members are struggling to come to terms with the tragic loss of a popular and talented pilot who died after her glider crashed on farmland near Alton last Thursday.

Kay Draper, 60, from Marlborough in Wiltshire, was piloting an ASG29 glider when it came down in a field near to the village of Bradley. She was pronounced dead at the scene.

Police, Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service and South Central Ambulance were called at around 11.55am to a site in Southwood Farm Lane, where the glider had come down in a corn field.

According to Hampshire Constabulary, Mrs Draper had set off on a solo flight from nearby Lasham Airfield, just a few miles away on the other side of the A339.

Married to fellow glider pilot and LGS member, David Draper, Kay was an occupational therapist who had been flying gliders for many years and was known as a highly experienced and capable pilot. She had competed internationally as a hang glider pilot, winning the first British Women’s Championships, before going on to become a first class glider pilot. She was a well respected member of the British Gliding team and held a number of British records.

The British Gliding Association issued the following statement: “It is with a heavy heart that we report the very sad news that Kay Draper, a dear friend and member of the British team, was killed in an accident on Thursday, July 21. Our thoughts are very much with Dave, her husband, and her family at this very difficult time.

“We go to the world championships this week as the British Team under grey skies, but will fly with the spirit and enthusiasm that Kay brought to gliding in her memory.”

Having been examined by experts at the scene, Kay Draper’s glider has now been recovered and taken to the Air Accidents Investigation Branch HQ at Farnborough to form part of an independent investigation, to determine the circumstances surrounding the crash.

Hampshire Constabulary urged anyone who may have information related to the incident to call police on 101, quoting Operation Pollen.