Constable Jim Adamson, of police Search and Rescue, said the scene would be mapped by a member of the Serious Crash Unit, then handed over to the Civil Aviation Authority for a technical investigation into the cause of the crash.
Kaikohe Gliding Club secretary Keith Falla, of Omanaia, described Mr Legler as "friendly, outgoing and a a very valued member of the club". Although in his 70s he was young at heart.
Mr Legler, who had been flying since his youth and had been a club member for at least 20 years, was the last to take off on Thursday in his own self-launching, electric-powered glider. Mr Falla said he had no idea what had caused the crash.
Conditions were not ideal but would not have caused problems for an experienced pilot, with a cloud base around 4000 feet and wind that was fresh but not strong. With the weather unsuitable for long-distance flights the gliders stayed within easy reach of the aerodrome.
When Mr Legler didn't return Mr Falla tried calling him on the radio, thinking he may have landed at Kerikeri. There was no response so he alerted police Search and Rescue.
Kaikohe Gliding Club has 14 members from Whangarei, Kaikohe, Kerikeri and Hokianga. It is based at the aerodrome on Mangakahia Rd, about 5km south of town, and has four winch-launched gliders. Some members also own their own aircraft.
The club is based at Kaikohe aerodrome because it has a long grass runway suitable for winch launching.
