Pictures courtesy of Naewna

 

An army helicopter made an emergency landing in a harvested paddy field in Mae Hong Son on 16 November 2025 after warning lights indicated a possible transmission oil pressure failure. The incident occurred at around 11.00, when residents of Ban Huai Ton Nun in Mae Ngao Subdistrict, Khun Yuam District, alerted authorities to a Bell 212 helicopter from the Singhanat Special Task Force landing suddenly in their rice fields. The unexpected descent startled villagers, who reported that one aircraft landed in the field of Wisit Witchayaphan and the second in the field of Thepphitak Thopha Thong.

 

The helicopter had just completed a mission delivering military supplies to units along the Khun Yuam and Mae Sariang border areas. According to the task force, the aircraft involved was Bell 212/033, operating as part of its routine monthly support flights. While en route from Khun Yuam to Mae Sariang, the “MASTER CAUTION” light illuminated intermittently, prompting pilots to check the caution panel, which initially showed no active warnings.

 

Within approximately 10 seconds, both the “MASTER CAUTION LIGHT” and “XMSN OIL PRESS” indicators illuminated, and the transmission oil pressure gauge dropped below the normal operating range with signs of further decline. The pilot immediately executed a “LAND AS SOON AS POSSIBLE” procedure and chose the nearest safe location, a paddy field recently cleared of rice. The aircraft landed safely with no reported injuries and technicians are working to determine the cause of the malfunction.

 

The Singhanat Special Task Force reassured the public that the situation is under control. Engineers are already repairing the aircraft and the unit expects the issue to be resolved soon. Residents in the area were advised not to worry as all crew members are safe and the aircraft remains secure on the ground.

 

The Bell 212 helicopter involved was deployed from Lopburi Air Base and has been in service for decades, replacing the older H-1 “Huey” models once supplied by the United States during the Vietnam War era. The Bell 212, also known as the Twin Huey, is a medium helicopter with twin engines and twin rotors, capable of carrying 14–15 passengers. It is used for a wide range of missions such as troop transport, administrative support, search and rescue operations, and medical evacuation.

 

Naewna reported that in Mae Hong Son, Bell 212 helicopters often support border operations by transporting supplies and military equipment to remote bases. They also provide assistance to civilians during emergencies, including delivering essential goods to flood-affected communities cut off by road. Additionally, the aircraft supports the Sky Doctor emergency medical transport team, enabling critically ill patients from remote villages to reach hospital care faster than would be possible by road.

 

 

Key Takeaways

 

• A Bell 212 helicopter made an emergency landing in Khun Yuam District on 16 November 2025 after warning lights indicated dropping transmission oil pressure.

• Pilots landed safely in a harvested paddy field, and engineers are now investigating the cause and carrying out repairs.

• The Bell 212 supports both military operations and civilian emergency missions across Mae Hong Son.

 

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  Adapted  by  Asean  Now from Naewna 2025-11-17

 

 

 

 

Well done pilots!

Emergency procedures well executed... hope the rice crops are okay?

Having used an army Bell in 2011 to take supplies to a village affected by flooding, the racket sounded like the screws were falling out. I doubt I will use another one.

It's time to retire those old Bell "Widowmakers" and upgrade to the latest Chinese Z-20T's.

If they can. 

4 hours ago, hotchilli said:

Emergency procedures well executed... hope the rice crops are okay?

harvested already as we can see!

 

4 hours ago, DaddyWarbucks said:

It's time to retire those old Bell "Widowmakers" and upgrade to the latest Chinese Z-20T's.

If they can. 

Can't see the Thais wanting American helicopters right now!