Changes needed to hang gliding rules - coroner

Coroner David Crerar. Photo / Glenn Taylor

A coroner's inquest into the death of two men during a commercial hang gliding flight reveals widespread problems within the industry.

Geraldo Bean and Andrew Scotland died in Queenstown in March 2009 when their hang glider failed to keep them in flight.

The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) told the inquest the pilot, Mr Bean, flew the glider faster than it could handle safely, according to Radio New Zealand.

According to the CAA, the men could have been saved if they had a spedometer installed, informing them of their speed.

CAA inspector Colin Grounsell said this was not an isolated incident

Coroner David Crerar said he is likely to put forward a report with far reaching consequences for the wider industry.

- NZ Herald staff