Accident Helicopter Crash in Prachuap Khiri Khan

[Georgealbert]

 

Picture from responders.

 

Emergency services have rushed to the scene of a helicopter crash that occurred early afternoon on 24 May, in Ban Nong Kok, located in Ao Noi subdistrict, Mueang district of Prachuap Khiri Khan Province.

 

Initial reports indicate that a helicopter went down under unknown circumstances, prompting an immediate response from local authorities, rescue teams and military personnel. The exact details of the crash are unconfirmed, but responders report that it is possibly a police helicopter and a least 3 bodies have been recovered from the wreckage.

 

 

Witnesses in the area described hearing a loud noise followed by smoke rising from a remote location near Ban Nong Kok village, prompting villagers to alert emergency services.

 

Provincial officials and police are currently on site, working to secure the crash area.

 

 

  Adapted by Asean Now 2025-05-24.

 

 

 

 

[Georgealbert]

UPDATE
Police Helicopter Crashes in Prachuap Khiri Khan – Three Confirmed Dead

 

Pictures courtesy of Matichon.

 

A police helicopter has crashed during a training mission near Prachuap Junction in the area of Wing 5, located in Mueang District, Prachuap Khiri Khan Province. The incident occurred at approximately 13:00.

 

Initial reports confirm that three individuals have  lost their lives. One other person reportedly managed to parachute to safety, but this has not yet been confirmed by authorities .

Emergency response teams, including local municipal fire engines, are still on the scene attempting to extinguish the fire from the wreckage.

 

The helicopter involved in the crash has been identified as a BELL 212, and was on a scheduled training flight at the time of the incident.

 

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from Matichon 2025-05-24.

 

 

 

 

 

[Georgealbert]

UPDATE
Three Police Officers Killed in Helicopter Crash in Prachuap Khiri Khan

 

Picture from responders.

 

Royal Thai Police confirm a Bell 212 helicopter belonging to the Royal Thai Police crashed near Wat Nong Phang Phuai in Prachuap Khiri Khan province. The incident occurred around 13:10 and resulted in the immediate deaths of all three officers on board.

 

The Royal Thai Police officially confirmed the crash via their Facebook page this afternoon, stating: “Urgent! Helicopter Bell 212 #2215 from the Kanchanaburi Police Aviation Unit has crashed in Prachuap Khiri Khan. Initial reports confirm that two pilots and one mechanic have died. Further updates to follow.”

 

The deceased have been named as:

 

Police Lieutenant Colonel Prathueang Chulet, Pilot

Police Sub-Lieutenant Songphon Boonchai, Co-Pilot

Police Sub-Lieutenant Thinkrit Suwannanoi, Flight Mechanic

 

Earlier reports of a person parachuting out before the crash have been dismissed.

 

Initial reports indicate that the helicopter was part of a flight departing from Apakorn Kiatwong Camp in Chumphon province, heading towards Naresuan Camp in Prachuap Khiri Khan. Two helicopters were reportedly flying together, one from the Hua Hin Police Aviation Unit and one from the Kanchanaburi Police Aviation Unit. It remains unconfirmed which aircraft was involved in the crash.

 

Emergency responders arrived at the crash site promptly but found no survivors. The cause of the crash is under investigation by aviation safety authorities and police officials.

 

 

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from Amarin 2025-05-24.

 

 

 

 

 

.

[KhunLA]

Whoa, that's my neighborhood.   Went to the park early this morning, before noon, or we probably would have seen the smoke plume.

 

That sucks ... R I P

[JoePai]

Another one    😟

[Georgealbert]

UPDATE
Specs and Legacy of the Bell 212 Helicopter: Over 52 Years in Thai Police Service

 

Picture of the helicopter involved courtesy of Amarin.

 

In the wake of the helicopter crash that claimed the lives of three police officers in Prachuap Khiri Khan, attention has turned to the Bell 212 helicopter, an aircraft that has served the Royal Thai Police Aviation Division for over half a century.

 

The crash, which occurred in the Ao Noi subdistrict of Mueang district, involved a Bell 212 with tail number 2215. On board were Pol. Lt. Col. Prathueang Chulert (pilot), Pol. Sub. Lt. Songphon Boonchai (co-pilot), and Pol. Sgt. Maj. Thinkrit Suwannanoi (flight engineer), all of whom were pronounced dead at the scene.

 

The three officers who died.

 

This sombre event has prompted a reflection on the long-standing role of the Bell 212 within Thailand’s police aviation fleet. First introduced in 1973, the Royal Thai Police acquired 16 units of the Bell 212, registered sequentially from 2209 to 2224. The aircraft type is officially designated as “Aircraft Type 22” by the Royal Thai Police.

 

Powered by twin PT6T-3B engines, the Bell 212 features a dual-blade main rotor and boasts a combined transmission output of 1,800 horsepower. The aircraft is capable of carrying up to 13 passengers, with a maximum takeoff weight of 11,200 pounds. Its twin-engine design significantly enhances operational safety, if one engine fails, the other is capable of sustaining flight to ensure a safe landing, a factor that has made the Bell 212 a trusted workhorse in both military and civilian operations globally.

The helicopter’s primary missions are transport and search-and-rescue (SAR) operations, with a notable history of service in national emergencies. The Bell 212 played critical roles during the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami relief efforts and in the widespread flooding that affected Thailand in 2011. Its capacity to reach remote or inaccessible areas quickly makes it an essential asset during natural disasters.

 

Currently, Bell 212 helicopters remain in service with various regional police aviation units. They support a wide array of duties including aerial surveillance, medical evacuations and logistical transport. The aircraft are also a vital component in the operations of the Border Patrol Police Bureau, aiding in tactical deployments and humanitarian support.

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from Amarin 2025-05-24.

 

 

 

 

[Georgealbert]

UPDATE
Helicopter Crash Claims Lives of Three Police Officers – One Recently Married

 

Picture courtesy of Khaosod.

 

Following the fatal crash of a Royal Thai Police helicopter, which claimed the lives of all three crew members onboard. Among the deceased was Flight Lieutenant Pratuang Chuleurt, known affectionately as “Captain Job,” who had only recently married in February.

Deputy Governor of Prachuap Khiri Khan, Mr. Kittiphong Sukphakun and local officials, including Mr. Suwit Yueryai, President of the Koh Lak Subdistrict Administrative Organisation, arrived at the crash site during the afternoon. The area has been cordoned off pending further investigation.

The bodies of the three officers were recovered from the wreckage and transported by road to Hua Hin Hospital under police escort for forensic examination.

 

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-05-24.

 

 

 

 

[Georgealbert]

UPDATE
Witnesses Report Seeing Smoke From Police Helicopter Before Crash

 

Picture courtesy of Khaosod.

 

Preliminary reports revealed that the helicopter, a Bell 212 model operated by the Royal Thai Police Aviation Division, crashed five minutes after its last communication with ATC (air traffic control). Eyewitnesses reported seeing smoke emanating from the aircraft, followed by parts falling from the helicopter before it spiralled out of control and crashed.

 

According to witnesses in the area, the helicopter emitted thick smoke and appeared to lose control mid-air. Parts of the aircraft were seen detaching before the chopper plunged into the ground and caught fire. All three officers were reportedly thrown from the wreckage and pronounced dead at the scene.

 

Pol. Maj. Gen. Nakarin Sukontawit, Commander of Prachuap Khiri Khan Provincial Police, said authorities are coordinating a full investigation. The crash site is being examined by police forensic teams, aided by rescue workers and related agencies.

 

Pol. Maj. Gen. Amnat Detbunluang, Commander of the Police Aviation Division, explained that the helicopter was returning from a mission in the southern provinces and had scheduled refuelling stops in Chumphon and at Naresuan Camp in Phetchaburi. However, after resuming its journey and reaching Prachuap Khiri Khan, it lost contact just minutes after speaking with the control tower.

 

All three officers were confirmed to be on official duty and will receive full posthumous honours.

 

Pol. Maj. Gen. Nakarin stated that investigators will work closely with aviation experts and relevant authorities to analyse the wreckage and determine the precise cause of the crash. Witness statements and autopsy results are expected to play a key role in the ongoing inquiry.

 

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-05-24.

 

 

 

[ikke1959]

The same as everything in Thailand.. All old and outdated and maybe no maintenance although a lot of money is always going to the military and RTP.. Just wondering where is goes.. don't need to answer that I know, but it is the second accident in a month.. 

[impulse]

I wonder how many new helicopters they could buy with the pricetag of a new submarine? 

 

I looked it up and it seems that the last Huey 212 left the factory in 1998.

 

 

[Georgealbert]

UPDATE
Wreckage of Bell 212 Helicopter Crash in Prachuap Khiri Khan Moved to Bangkok for Investigation

 

Picture courtesy of Matichon.

 

Authorities have moved swiftly to recover the wreckage of a Bell 212 police helicopter which crashed into a plantation in Prachuap Khiri Khan province, killing all three crew members on board.

 

The helicopter, operated by the Royal Thai Police, went down in Moo 1, Ban Nong Kok, Koh Lak subdistrict, Mueang district, while returning from a mission in the South. It was en route to Kanchanaburi province at the time of the incident.

 

At approximately 11:00 on 25 May, Pol Col Phaitoon Promkhian, superintendent of Mueang Prachuap Khiri Khan Police Station, led a team of officers from the Police Aviation Division and other related agencies to survey the crash site. The team began collecting scattered debris from the area, located in the midst of a coconut plantation.

 

Two flatbed recovery vehicles were deployed to transport the main fuselage and various parts of the helicopter back to the Police Aviation Division headquarters in Bangkok. The wreckage will undergo detailed forensic examination to determine the exact cause of the crash.

 

An official investigation is underway.

 

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from Matichon 2025-05-26.

 

 

 

[PJ71]

Why is no one pointing at the wreckage?

[SAFETY FIRST]

On 5/24/2025 at 2:32 PM, Georgealbert said:

Earlier reports of a person parachuting out before the crash have been dismissed.

I travel by helicopter every month, never heard of anyone parachuting out of a helicopter before, I've never seen anyone wear a parachute. 

 

On 5/24/2025 at 1:54 PM, Georgealbert said:

A police helicopter has crashed during a training mission

This is the problem with the Thai police force training, the cops and maintenance personnel attending lacking attention. 

 

[TheFishman1]

I always thought helicopters to glide like a plane using like auto reverse props or whatever you call it TIT

[hotchilli]

Sounds like an engine failure... things happen fast and that usually never ends well

[NedR69]

2 hours ago, PJ71 said:

Why is no one pointing at the wreckage?

IDK, but maybe the same as why is nothing said about the single person that parachuted.  Lucky guy, carried a parachute.

[PJ71]

1 hour ago, TheFishman1 said:

I always thought helicopters to glide like a plane using like auto reverse props or whatever you call it TIT

It requires both of the rotors to have failed to be able to 'glide'.

 

If main rotor fails but tail rotor does not, you''ll have zero control and crash.

[IsaanT]

On 5/25/2025 at 5:55 AM, ikke1959 said:

The same as everything in Thailand.. All old and outdated and maybe no maintenance 

"Old" is not an issue in commercial aviation.  I've flown 90-year old aircraft, happy in the knowledge that they will perform just like they did when they left the factory all those years ago.

All the major components of a commercial aircraft have a strict service life determined by the manufacturer, following which they are replaced with new or as-new reconditioned items.  Helicopters, in particular, can be reconditioned back to new when the service life of the major components has been used up but nearly every significant component is replaced with something that has "zero hours" so it is very expensive.

In this example of a Bell 212:

- the turbine engines (the ubiquitous and reliable PT6) have a major inspection at 2,000-2,500 hours and are replaced at 4,000-5,000 hours
- the main rotor blades are replacd at 10,000 - 20,000 hours, depending on construction materials (aluminium, carbon fibre) and specific serial numbers
- the tail rotor blades have the same service life as the main rotor blades
- the main transmission and tail rotor gearbox is replaced at 3,000 - 4,000 hours

The range of time allowed, e.g. 3,000 - 4,000 hours, is entirely dependent on condition of the component at a major inspection.  It may be allowed to continue a little longer, or it may be replaced at that point.

All this assumes the aircraft is maintained according to the manufacturer's service schedule (not doing so in commercial aviation is criminal negligence).  Maintenance mistakes or neglect are frequently the cause of aircraft issues.

Let's wait for the official report.
 

[Captain Flack]

Off topic troll post about covid vaccines has been removed @GoodieAfterDark

[Aussie999]

6 hours ago, TheFishman1 said:

I always thought helicopters to glide like a plane using like auto reverse props or whatever you call it TIT

True, but not all helicopters have/had the capability, as, we need to take into consideration the training and skills of the pilot

[Georgealbert]

 

Accident Thai Police Ground Aircraft Fleet for Safety Inspections Post-Crashes

 

 

[BKKBike09]

As is usually the case in Thailand we'll probably never know what actually happened.

 

Bell 212 main rotor has a lot of inertia and is semi-rigid, so even with a dual engine failure rotor RPM won't decay as fast as say an eggbeater light training helo like a Robinso R22. 

 

But reports of parts of the aircraft detaching could suggest a rotor separation.

 

In 2021 a 212 crashed in Canada after a retaining pin failure on the main rotor hub. That led to Bell issuing service bulletins and various aviation agencies worldwide (FAA, EASA etc) issuing Emergency ADs mandating compliance with the service bulletins.

 

On 05 July 2021, Bell Textron Inc. (Bell) issued 4 alert service bulletins covering model 204B, 205, 205B, and 212 helicopter fleets. The alerts required the review of the aircraft’s technical record to determine if any main rotor hub strap retaining pins with the serial number prefix FNFS were installed. If pins with the affected prefix were installed, they were to be replaced with pins of a different serial prefix before further flight.

 

https://www.tsb.gc.ca/eng/rapports-reports/aviation/2021/a21w0045/a21w0045.html

 

[Humpy]

I see a lot of members trying to explain how a helicopter can 'glide' !!! In the event of a total power failure the helicopter is capable of autorotation.  Autorotation is a process where it's a crucial emergency procedure in helicopters, allowing for a controlled descent in the event of total power loss. The helicopter's rotor blades spin, generating lift not by engine power but by the upward flow of air through the rotor.  Thanks to autorotation on several occasions, I am still here to explain the process !!!

 

[TallGuyJohninBKK]

8 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

 

Accident Thai Police Ground Aircraft Fleet for Safety Inspections Post-Crashes

 

 

 

 

I was wondering when there was going to be some mention in this thread of the other / very recent police aviation mishap in the Prachuap Khiri Khan area, as recounted in the above linked thread:

 

"In response to recent aviation tragedies, the Royal Thai Police have grounded their entire fleet of aircraft, encompassing both fixed-wing planes and helicopters. This precautionary decision, announced by Police General Kitrat Phanphet, aims to ensure the highest safety standards following two deadly accidents within the past month.

 

The grounding comes in the wake of two fatal crashes. On April 25, a fixed-wing aircraft crashed into the sea off Prachuap Khiri Khan, resulting in fatalities that underscored potential maintenance shortfalls. Just weeks later, on May 24, a Bell 212 helicopter met a similarly tragic fate, crashing as it returned to its base in Kanchanaburi from Surat Thani. The crash claimed the lives of the pilot, co-pilot, and mechanic onboard." [emphasis added]

 

It's been a bad past month for police aviation in the Prachuap Khiri Khan area.

 

Maybe I missed it -- has there been any public accounting yet of what led to the fixed wing aircraft crash that preceded the current helicopter mishap?

 

[Georgealbert]

2 hours ago, TallGuyJohninBKK said:

 

 

I was wondering when there was going to be some mention in this thread of the other / very recent police aviation mishap in the Prachuap Khiri Khan area, as recounted in the above linked thread:

 

"In response to recent aviation tragedies, the Royal Thai Police have grounded their entire fleet of aircraft, encompassing both fixed-wing planes and helicopters. This precautionary decision, announced by Police General Kitrat Phanphet, aims to ensure the highest safety standards following two deadly accidents within the past month.

 

The grounding comes in the wake of two fatal crashes. On April 25, a fixed-wing aircraft crashed into the sea off Prachuap Khiri Khan, resulting in fatalities that underscored potential maintenance shortfalls. Just weeks later, on May 24, a Bell 212 helicopter met a similarly tragic fate, crashing as it returned to its base in Kanchanaburi from Surat Thani. The crash claimed the lives of the pilot, co-pilot, and mechanic onboard." [emphasis added]

 

It's been a bad past month for police aviation in the Prachuap Khiri Khan area.

 

Maybe I missed it -- has there been any public accounting yet of what led to the fixed wing aircraft crash that preceded the current helicopter mishap?

 

The latest, limited, public statement and details on the Twin Otter crash is in this topic.

 

 

[IsaanT]

On 5/26/2025 at 3:00 PM, Aussie999 said:

True, but not all helicopters have/had the capability, as, we need to take into consideration the training and skills of the pilot

ALL helicopters have the ability to autorotate (controlled descent) in the event of engine failure - no sane pilot would jump in one in the first place if it didn't.

All pilots are trained to do autorotation during their initial training, and practice it a few times.  It is in their interest to maintain currency in this skill after they get their wings (rotors?), and the vast majority of pilots are conscientious and do so because they know the potential implications of not doing so.
 

[Georgealbert]

UPDATE
Final Messages Reveal Police Pilot’s Fears Before Fatal Helicopter Crash in Prachuap Khiri Khan

 

Picture courtesy of Khaosod.

 

A series of final chat messages have come to light from Pol. Sub-Lt. Pratuang Chulert, the pilot who tragically died in the police helicopter crash in Prachuap Khiri Khan on 24 May. The messages reveal deep concerns about the airworthiness of the aircraft shortly before the fatal flight.

 

The helicopter, a Bell 212 model with registration number 2215, belonged to the Kanchanaburi Provincial Police Aviation Unit. It crashed in Moo 1, Koh Lak subdistrict, Mueang district, Prachuap Khiri Khan, before bursting into flames upon impact. All three officers aboard perished in the incident.

 

On 27 May, authorities reported the discovery of a private chat sent by Pol. Sub-Lt. Pratuang Chulert, shortly before the crash. In the message to a friend, he expressed serious misgivings about the helicopter’s condition, stating, “The aircraft is barely capable of flying… I really don’t want anyone to know… our helicopter is almost unflyable.”

 

The chilling words have prompted further scrutiny into the maintenance and safety protocols of police aviation operations. The Royal Thai Police and relevant aviation authorities are expected to conduct a detailed investigation into the cause of the crash, including potential mechanical failures and oversight.

 

Public concern is mounting over the safety of aircraft used by law enforcement, especially in light of the pilot’s clearly expressed concerns. 

 

The full details and causes of the crash remain under official investigation.

 

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-05-28.

 

 

 

[JoePai]

I really don’t want anyone to know… our helicopter is almost unflyable

 

So why fly it - should report problems to maintenance 

[Georgealbert]

UPDATE
Police Reveal Cause of Helicopter Crash: Faulty Equipment to Blame, Not Sabotage

 

Picture courtesy of Khaosod.

 

A senior Royal Thai Police official has confirmed that the recent police helicopter crash in Prachuap Khiri Khan province was caused by mechanical failure, not sabotage or external attack.

 

Pol Maj Gen Wongwarit Srikham, a senior expert at the Royal Thai Police and currently seconded to the Police Aviation Division, revealed the preliminary findings during a meeting with local officials and village leaders at the Koh Lak Subdistrict Administrative Organisation.

 

According to the investigation, the crash occurred when the helicopter’s main rotor malfunctioned, resulting in one of the blades severing the tail rotor. This caused the aircraft to lose stability and spin out of control, ultimately leading to a violent crash. Officials stressed that the incident was not the result of pilot error or negligence.

 

Pol Maj Gen Wongwarit also addressed public speculation that the helicopter may have been shot down, given its proximity to the Thai border. “We can confirm that the helicopter was not attacked or fired upon,” he said. “There is no evidence of sabotage.”

 

He further dismissed local rumours that someone had parachuted to safety before the crash. “Such claims are unfounded. The aircraft failed suddenly, giving no opportunity for a parachute escape. All crew members were strapped in and what witnesses saw was likely debris falling after the tail was struck.”

 

He clarified that the loud sound reported by residents prior to the crash was not an explosion in the air, but the noise caused by the main rotor striking the tail, which created a sound similar to a blast.

 

The wreckage of the helicopter has been transported to the Police Aviation Division in Bangkok, where it will be examined by Bell Helicopters, the aircraft’s manufacturer, to determine which component failed.

 

The three pilots who perished in the crash have been returned to their respective hometowns for religious rites: one to Wat Nuanchan in Bangkok, another to Thong Pha Phum district in Kanchanaburi province and the third to Mueang district in Trang province.

 

In honour of the fallen officers, the Royal Thai Police and the Police Aviation Division, in cooperation with Koh Lak Subdistrict officials, local residents and border patrol police, will hold a Buddhist merit-making ceremony on 29 May at 10:00. The event will take place at the crash site in Ban Nong Kok, Moo 1, Koh Lak subdistrict, Mueang district, Prachuap Khiri Khan province.

 

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-05-29.

 

 

 

[Hardcastle P]

Such a tragedy as if there are not enough problems.