Helicopter Pilot Takes Quick Action to Ensure Safety During Firefighting Operation in Lampun

Picture courtesy of Khomchadluek

In a dramatic moment on March 7, a helicopter pilot from the Department of Royal Rainmaking and Agricultural Aviation made a swift decision to detach the water bucket after it became entangled in a fisherman’s net during a firefighting operation in Lampun Province.

The incident occurred as the helicopter was attempting to retrieve water from the Mae Sa Reservoir in Si Bua Ban, Muang District, to combat wildfires in the nearby Mae Tha area. As the helicopter began to lift off with the Bambi bucket full of water, it became caught in a fishing net set by local villagers. This caused the helicopter to be unable to gain altitude.

In a split-second decision, the pilot chose to release the water bucket, allowing the helicopter to safely ascend. The bucket, however, sank to the bottom of the reservoir, more than 10 metres deep.

Following the incident, emergency teams were dispatched to recover the submerged equipment. Divers from the 5th Region Disaster Response Unit, Phetkasem Rescue, and Tevathit Rescue successfully retrieved the water bucket from the depths of the reservoir. The operation was deemed a success, with no injuries reported and the helicopter able to continue its vital work in extinguishing the wildfires.

The incident highlights the risks faced by emergency response teams in difficult conditions, with pilots and crews making crucial decisions to ensure both their safety and the success of the mission. The firefighting operation in the region remains ongoing as efforts continue to contain the wildfires.

-- 2025-03-08