Pilot of ultralight dies in crash

Details are sketchy tonight but News 5 understands that the crash of an ultralight aircraft on Ambergris Caye has claimed the life of a tourist. According to San Pedro Police, around three thirty this afternoon, South African Martin David Walker and an American woman were taking off from the San Pedro runway in their tiny recreational plane when a squall suddenly blew in. It is believed that Walker lost control of the aircraft in the strong winds and crashed onto the tarmac near the hangar area of the airstrip. News 5 was told that Walker sustained serious head injuries while his passenger suffered broken bones. The critically injured man was rushed to Belize City via Wings of Hope, but witnesses at the municipal airstrip tell News 5 that within minutes of arrival, Walker was pronounced dead. We understand Walker was a guest of Victoria House and had brought his ultralight with him for use around the island. In Belize, as in most of the world, ultralights are not subject to the strict official regulations that govern the operation of larger, sturdier and more powerful airplanes.