Pictures courtesy of Matichon

A Royal Thai Air Force AT-6 aircraft crashed during a training flight in Chiang Mai province on 29 January 2026, prompting an emergency response and an investigation. The aircraft went down in Huai Fang village in Chom Thong district at 10:30, according to the air force. Later reports confirmed the aircraft was destroyed by fire and that two pilots were killed.

The Royal Thai Air Force said it received a report at 10:30 that the AT-6 had crashed while carrying out a flight training mission in northern Thailand. The aircraft came down in a rural area of Chiang Mai province, with flames engulfing the wreckage. Smoke was seen billowing from the crash site in video footage recorded shortly after the incident.

Officials said teams were dispatched to the site to assess the situation and conduct an initial investigation. Emergency and military personnel secured the area as part of the response. Authorities have not released the identities of the pilots.

The AT-6 is used by the Royal Thai Air Force for flight training missions. The cause of the crash is under investigation. Military officials said the initial investigation would focus on the circumstances surrounding the training flight. An assessment of the aircraft and operational conditions at the time of the crash is expected. Further updates will be provided once more information becomes available.

Key Takeaways

• A Royal Thai Air Force AT-6 trainer crashed during a training flight in Chiang Mai on 29 January 2026.

• The aircraft went down at 10:30 in Huai Fang village, Chom Thong district, and was destroyed by fire.

• Two pilots were killed and an initial investigation has been launched by the air force.

  

Adapted by ASEAN Now from Matichon 2026-01-29

 

 

UPDATE

AT-6TH Wolverine Profile After Chiang Mai Training Crash

Picture courtesy of Matichon

An AT-6TH Wolverine light attack aircraft is drawing national attention on Thursday after a crash, during a training mission in Chom Thong district, Chiang Mai, on 29 January 2026. The event prompted renewed public focus on the aircraft’s background, capabilities and role within the Royal Thai Air Force. Authorities confirmed the aircraft involved was part of the AT-6TH fleet operated from Wing 41.

The AT-6TH was formally inducted into service with Squadron 411 at Wing 41 in September 2025. The induction ceremony was presided over by Air Chief Marshal Phanphakdee Phattanakul, former Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Air Force. The aircraft was acquired to replace the ageing L-39 ZA/ART jet trainers that had been retired from service.

The AT-6TH was designed as a multi-role light attack aircraft capable of close air support, armed reconnaissance, surveillance, intelligence gathering, and combat search and rescue. It is intended to provide flexible operational capability across a wide range of missions, including border security and counter-narcotics operations. The Royal Thai Air Force has described the platform as a key enhancement to its modernisation strategy.

A defining feature of the AT-6TH is its cockpit and control system, which closely resembles that of the F-16 fighter jet. This design allows pilots to transition more easily to advanced fighter aircraft. The cockpit is fully digital, with multi-function displays enabling faster and more precise mission management.

The aircraft is equipped with long-range laser target designation, real-time video transmission from air to ground, and a tactical data link system known as Link-TH. Link-TH is a domestically developed datalink that allows secure information sharing with other Royal Thai Air Force platforms. These include the Gripen C/D, Alpha Jet, F-5TH fighter aircraft, and the T-50TH advanced trainer.

The Royal Thai Air Force signed a contract to procure eight AT-6TH aircraft in 2021, followed by an additional four aircraft in 2022, bringing the total to 12. The first group of eight aircraft was assigned to Squadron 411 at Wing 41. An initial group of eight Thai pilots completed training in the United States, covering flight operations, weapons employment and maintenance, and were certified as instructors and test pilots.

On 4 September 2025, the Royal Thai Air Force highlighted the induction of the first eight AT-6TH aircraft in a Facebook post. The ceremony was attended by Mr Robert Frank Godec, United States Ambassador to Thailand, and Mr Chatchawan Panya, Deputy Governor of Chiang Mai, alongside other invited guests. The air force described the aircraft as a symbol of Thai–US defence cooperation and national security readiness.

Matichon reported that authorities are expected to focus on standard procedures following the Chom Thong incident while maintaining ongoing operations of the AT-6TH fleet. The aircraft remains a central component of the Royal Thai Air Force’s operational and training framework. Further official updates are anticipated as the investigation continues.

Key Takeaways

• The AT-6TH Wolverine entered Royal Thai Air Force service in September 2025 with Squadron 411 at Wing 41.

• The aircraft replaces the retired L-39 ZA/ART and supports a wide range of combat and support missions.

• Thailand has ordered 12 AT-6TH aircraft, with pilots trained in the United States and systems linked via Link-TH.

  

Adapted by ASEAN Now from Naewna 2026-01-29

 

 

UPDATE

Two Pilots Killed as AT-6 Trainer Crashes During Rescue Drill

Picture courtesy of Amarin

Two Royal Thai Air Force pilots were killed when an AT-6TH aircraft crashed during a combat search and rescue training mission in Chom Thong district, Chiang Mai, on 29 January 2026. The crash occurred at 10.20am and resulted in the total loss of the aircraft, with no injuries or damage reported among the public.

The Royal Thai Air Force confirmed the aircraft was an Attack Aircraft Type 8 (AT-6TH) assigned to Squadron 411 at Wing 41. It went down about 60 kilometres southwest of Chiang Mai airport, on a bearing of 210 degrees, within a designated air force training area.

Air Force spokesperson Air Marshal Chakkrith Thammavichai said the mission was a routine flight training exercise focused on combat search and rescue operations. Such missions are considered essential for maintaining operational readiness and improving air force capabilities. Emergency teams were dispatched immediately after the crash was reported.

The aircraft was conducting training in a forested area of Chom Thong district when the incident occurred. Authorities confirmed that the crash site was secured quickly and that the incident posed no risk to nearby communities. Rescue personnel and local responders assisted with initial operations at the scene.

Following the crash, Air Chief Marshal Seksan Kantha, Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Air Force, ordered a full investigation. A formal aircraft accident investigation committee has been appointed to examine the cause in line with aviation safety regulations and standards. The investigation aims to establish accurate findings and improve future flight safety measures.

The air force expressed its deepest condolences to the families of the deceased pilots and paid tribute to their service and sacrifice. Officials stated that full support and assistance will be provided to the bereaved families. The service reiterated that personnel safety remains its highest priority during both training and operational missions.

The two pilots killed were Flight Lieutenant Sammacha Khunmat, the instructor pilot and Flying Officer Korawit Jenkit, the second pilot. Both were confirmed dead at the crash site. Their names were released following official verification.

Amarin reported that The Royal Thai Air Force also thanked local residents and rescue teams for their swift cooperation. Members of the public in the area have been advised to follow official instructions while the investigation and recovery operations continue.

Key Takeaways

• An AT-6TH aircraft from Wing 41 crashed during a combat rescue training mission in Chiang Mai on 29 January 2026.

• Both pilots on board, Flight Lieutenant Sammacha Khunmat and Flying Officer Korawit Jenkit, were killed.

• The Royal Thai Air Force has launched a full investigation into the cause of the crash.

  

Adapted by ASEAN Now from Amarin 2026-01-29