One dead after crashing glider near Herlong Field

DUVAL COUNTY, Fla. — The Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department reported that one person is dead after a glider crashed in the trees near Herlong Field.

At approximately 1:15 p.m., JFRD crews responded to a call that a glider crashed into some trees near the airport at 8900 Normandy Blvd.

Upon arriving at the scene, crews pronounced one person dead.

JFRD reports the killed pilot was a 66-year-old black man with multiple years of experience.

Gliding businesses on the scene stated they saw signs of distress from the glider.

The pilot pulled a release lever separating the connection to the tow plane, with the glider reportedly going into a nosedive toward the ground.

No trees were involved in the crash as the glider struck the underbrush.

The FAA is currently on the scene, with the crash currently under investigation.

Action News Jax will continue to follow the story and will alert you as events unfold.

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