Big Island authorities located wreckage from a missing glider this morning on an area 9,800 feet up on Mauna Loa.

Since Friday, Big Island firefighters were looking for the glider of Dave Bigelow, a 69-year-old Big Island resident hoping to sail his glider at 40,000 feet.

Big Island firefighters located the wreckage late yesterday afternoon at an area 3 miles south of Red Hill Cabin. Rangers from the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park flew to the area in a helicopter and confirmed that the wreckage was from the missing glider, according to a news release.

Park rangers plan to recover the human remains and begin their investigation along with the National Transportation Safety Board.

The body was transported to Hilo Medical Center. Authorities will confirm the body's identification pending and an autopsy is scheduled.

Searching and recovering the wreckage is risky for the rangers and pilot because of strong unpredictable wind gusts. Because of the high elevation, there are loose sharp rocks and rangers may experience headache, nausea and fatigue.