Nine killed in Navy chopper crash

Nine navy officers were killed Friday when their helicopter crashed into a rice field and burst into flames in Surin province.

The ill-fated helicopter was one of two choppers that were on a routine training flight from Ubon Ratchathani to U Tapao Navy base in Chon Buri. It crashed in Surin's Rattanaburi district.

"Nine people were on this flight and no one survived," Rattanaburi police chief Pol Col Sumet Kaewphet said.

"The helicopter was a Bell 214 that apparently developed a mechanical problem and crashed at about 11.30am," he added.

Source: The Nation - 23 March 2007

Poor seamen. I hope their end was quick

RIP

The builders on the roof of our restraunt seen it, said they were flying very close to each other.

My condolences to the families of the deceased

RIP

Navy helicopter takes death plunge, crew perishes

A Navy helicopter crashed during a training exercsie in Chonburi province this afternoon (March 23).

Authorities said that a Royal Thai Navy Bell helicopter flying from Sattahip (สัตหีบ) district of Chonburi province to conduct training maneuvers crashed this afternoon in in Rattanaburi (รัตนบุรี) district of Surin province. Officials report that 2 pilots, Cmd Tosaporn Thumar (ทศพร ทุ่มมา), and Lt Cmd Paradorn Rakdej (ภราดร รักษ์เดช ), as well as 7 crew members lost their lives.

Following the incident, the Commander of the Provincial Police Region 3, Pol Lt Gen Warasit Pollert (วราสิทธิ์ พรเลิศ ), and emergency personnel rushed to the scene. Officials are in the process of identifying and examining the bodies of crew members.

Authorities report that the helicopter developed a rotor malfunction and was returning to base when it crashed enroute. A second accompanying helicopter was able to land safely nearby. Officials will be conducting in-depth investigations to determine the cause of the incident.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 24 March 2007