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A pilot was killed in a glider crash near Briggs on Thursday, Aug. 6. 

According to the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office, the incident occurred on Thursday afternoon near CR 210, outside of Briggs, and the pilot was pronounced dead at the scene. The cause of the crash is under investigation by the Texas Department of Public Safety and the National Transportation Safety Board. 

The pilot was identified by DPS as 76-year-old Joseph Aaron Gregory.

The “glider,” in this case, refers to an aircraft without an engine that glides through the air after being towed by another aircraft or a powerful winch that helps it gain elevation before soaring on its own. 

Gregory was confirmed as a member of the nearby Faultline Fliers Gliding Club. According to an emailed statement made by the club to DailyTrib on Monday, Aug. 10, the crash occurred at its airfield.

“Emergency authorities responded to the accident, and we are cooperating fully with the appropriate agencies,” reads the statement. “Because the accident is under investigation, we will not speculate about its cause or circumstances and will defer questions about the investigation to the appropriate authorities.

“We are deeply saddened to confirm that a longtime member of our club, died in a glider accident at our airfield on Thursday, August 6, 2026. He was a highly experienced and skilled pilot and a valued member of our club for many years. Our thoughts are with his family and friends during this very difficult time.”

dakota@thepicayune.com