3-8-2024 (BANGKOK) A routine test flight turned deadly in Thailand’s Samut Sakhon Province when a small civilian aircraft plummeted onto the roof of a resort, claiming the life of its pilot. The incident, which occurred in the Khok Kham area of Mueang District, has sent shockwaves through the local aviation community and raised questions about aircraft maintenance procedures.
At approximately 10:50 a.m. local time, emergency services received reports of an aircraft crash at a resort in the area. Eyewitnesses described a harrowing scene as the small plane, engulfed in flames, became lodged in the resort’s rooftop structure.
Rescue teams from Ban Phaeo 3502 and Sri Samut Rescue swiftly responded to the distress call. Upon arrival, they immediately began efforts to extinguish the blaze that had erupted from the wreckage. Despite their rapid response, they were unable to save the pilot, who was pronounced dead at the scene.
The deceased, identified as a flight instructor believed to be in his early thirties, had been conducting a test flight following recent engine repairs. Preliminary investigations suggest that the aircraft had a history of engine troubles, which had prompted the maintenance work and subsequent test flight.
According to initial reports, the pilot encountered difficulties during the flight and attempted an emergency landing.
