By Canadian Press

Alberta glider pilot had working parachute, limited experience deploying: report

Jan 7, 2025 | 1:58 PM

BLACK DIAMOND, Alta. — An investigation has determined that an Alberta glider pilot who died after he ejected from his plane and hit the ground during a competition last year had a working parachute, but limited experience deploying it.

The Transportation Safety Board of Canada says gliding conditions were poor on competition day in southern Alberta and many competitors had turned back after flying for less than 20 minutes.

The agency’s incident report says shortly after Kerry Stevenson took off he tried to gain altitude by turning, but the glider stalled.

Stevenson was less than half a kilometre above ground when the glider started barreling down and he ejected.

It was previously determined that his parachute didn’t open and he died after hitting the ground.

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The report says the parachute had surpassed its recommended service life but was still in working condition, but it’s believed Stevenson had little to no experience deploying a parachute.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 7, 2025.

Jack Farrell, The Canadian Press