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

[snoop1130]

Picture courtesy of Thai PBS

 

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.

 

Alarmingly, the helicopter involved in the May incident had been in service for over four decades. Pol Gen Kitrat highlighted the age of the aircraft as a significant factor, noting the continued operation of two other helicopters of the same model after the crash, which raised questions about their airworthiness.

 

Acting swiftly, Pol Gen Kitrat mandated comprehensive inspections by the Police Aviation Division. He stressed the need for these checks to confirm the safety and reliability of each aircraft before any can be cleared to resume flights.

 

In an effort to boost morale and address any apprehensions within the ranks, Pol Gen Kitrat announced plans to visit the Police Aviation Command this Wednesday. His visit is intended to offer personal support to airmen, listen to their concerns, and discuss potential improvements within the aviation unit.

 

One key area of focus will be the decommissioning of aging aircraft. With spiralling maintenance costs and safety concerns, Pol Gen Kitrat indicated that continuing to operate these older aircraft is no longer viable. Plans to phase out these models are set to be a cornerstone of the reformed aviation strategy.

 

The decision to ground the fleet, while temporarily impacting the operational capabilities of the police air division, underscores a commitment to safety and the preservation of life. This thorough review and potential fleet renewal are crucial steps in preventing future tragedies and ensuring the safety of police personnel and the public.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Thai PBS 2025-05-26

 

 

[klauskunkel]

16 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

This thorough review and potential fleet renewal are crucial steps in preventing future tragedies and ensuring the safety of police personnel and the public.

Suggestion: Make it a policy that every flight needs to have at least one police general on board. I'm certain he will ensure proper upkeep just for his own safety, and there are too many generals anyways.

[hotchilli]

I'm sure maintenance schedules are rigorously upheld, with no expense spared for spare parts or engineering training

[wozzlegummich]

6 minutes ago, hotchilli said:

I'm sure maintenance schedules are rigorously upheld, with no expense spared for spare parts or engineering training

Follow the money........ just follow the money

[Homburg]

I didn't realise that they had any aircraft left to "ground", I thought that these had all crashed.

[billd766]

SOP for most flying units world wide.

 

 

 

[geisha]

Not “ swiftly “ enough.

[Pouatchee]

On 5/26/2025 at 5:23 AM, snoop1130 said:

Alarmingly, the helicopter involved in the May incident had been in service for over four decades.

 

Isn't that that reminiscent of when you take your time to put a car engine back together and after a few months of slacking off you find that you have many nuts and bolts left once the engine is closed?

 

In 40 years there is place for many forgetful mechanical errors. They should have given it a complete new overhaul before giving it a clean bill of health.

[lordgrinz]

There is no such thing as safety in Thailand, no Thai has ever cared about "safety". Now if you mean "fate", then you might be on to something, those with the luckiest amulets win that battle.

 

Quote

Thai Police Ground Aircraft Fleet for Safety Inspections Post-Crashes