Men In Montana Fatal Glider Crash Identified

The Flathead County Sheriff's Department says a man who died in a glider crash was a 61-year-old retired pilot from Lakeside.

Douglas Sameit held a Federal Aviation Administration glider instructor certificate.

The crash happened Friday near a home just south of the Ferndale Airfield. Sheriff Chuck Curry says the pilot of the plane towing the glider told investigators that Sameit and 70-year-old Gordon Schmidt were planning a 180-degree maneuver after disconnecting.

Schmidt is in stable condition and has been transported to Seattle for treatment.

Schmidt is a summer resident of Bigfork, a gliding instructor and the owner and operator of Wave Soaring Adventures Inc.

The new business provides glider rides and instruction in the Flathead Valley.

Associated Press