Police, fire, ambulance and rescue crews were called to Piper’s Airfield in Eglinton, near Bathurst, just before 1pm following reports that a glider had crashed into a field.

The glider crashed a few hundred metres from the airstrip, with the impact igniting a grass fire.

“The 75-year-old male pilot died at the scene,” NSW Police said.

“No further details are available on his identity.”

A crime scene was established by NSW Police and investigations into the cause of the glider crash have commenced.

NSW Rural Fire Service Operational Officer Brett Taylor said three crews of volunteer firefighters were among those called to the scene.

“A powered glider was on fire when it crashed,” he said.

“There was one person in the plane.”

Mr Taylor said hot, windy weather fueled the blaze which spread to around three hectares.

RFS firefighters quickly contained and extinguished the blaze before the scene was “handed over to police”, Mr Taylor said.

Ophir Street resident Christopher Morgan heard the crash from his home which is located not far from the airfield.

“There were two bangs and it sounded like two 12-gauge shots, one after the other,” he said.

Thick, dark smoke could clearly be seen from the front yard of his property following the glider crash.

Aviation Support Branch and Gliding Federation of Australia personnel have been sent to the scene to assist Chifley Local Area Command detectives in the investigation.

Any witnesses to the crash are encouraged to call Bathurst Police on 6332 8699 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Bathurst Soaring Club operates soaring flights and gliding training out of Piper’s Airfield.