Mr Mander, 75, was flying solo in his ASH-25M jet assisted glider when it crashed into a paddock not far from Piper’s Airfield in Eglinton just before 1pm on Sunday.

Mr Wilkins said the accident occurred at Pipers Field, the home of Bathurst Soaring Club.

“This is the first time there has been a fatality in the club’s 50-year history,” he said.

“Paul, from Sydney, was very well known in the gliding movement. He was a very experienced competition pilot and gliding coach who has made great contributions to gliding in NSW and Australia over many decades.”

Mr Wilkins said Mr Mander’s death had “hit all of us very hard”.

“Our club numbers around 100 pilots, many of whom live in the Bathurst area,” he said.

“We are a close-knit family club who pride ourselves on our safety ethos.

“This tragic accident was witnessed by many of our club members.”

Mr Wilkins said the club had arranged for counselling to be available for all members, especially those who were present when the crash occurred.

“Paul will be sadly missed,” he said. “Our sincere condolences go to Paul’s wife, children and wider family.”

Mr Wilkins said Bathurst Soaring Club is assisting the Australian Transport Safety Bureau, police and the coroner in their investigations into the accident.