A private helicopter crashed near a factory runway in Samut Prakan on 3 May 2026, bursting into flames and leaving only the tail section intact. Emergency responders said the aircraft went down about 200 metres from its landing point, with a grass fire spreading from the wreckage. Despite the severity of the blaze, those on board suffered only minor injuries and were able to walk away.

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Rescue worker Jatuporn Yatcharoen, one of the first at the scene, said the helicopter belonged to a private factory and was a two-seater aircraft. The crash site was located behind a petrol station in Bang Mekhao Khao, Tai Ban subdistrict, Mueang district. The injured individual, identified as a mechanic, showed rescuers a video clip of the helicopter attempting to land before the crash.

Police in Samut Prakan said the incident was reported at around 08:30. The helicopter was being flown by the factory owner, travelling from a factory in Samut Prakan to another in Chonburi. Shortly after take-off, at an altitude of around 10 to 30 metres, the pilot detected a mechanical problem and attempted an emergency landing.

Authorities believe the rotor blades struck tall grass during the emergency descent, causing the aircraft to destabilise, crash and ignite. The engine compartment was completely destroyed by fire, leaving only the tail section visible after firefighters took about one hour to bring the blaze under control. Initial assessments suggest the engine may have lacked sufficient power during take-off, though a full investigation is ongoing.

Pictures courtesy of Amarin

Police confirmed the helicopter was relatively new, having been purchased two years ago, and had no prior record of faults. The pilot was properly licensed to operate the aircraft. Officials said forensic teams are continuing to examine the crash site to determine the exact cause.

Amarin reported that investigators will now review technical data, witness accounts, and video evidence as part of a detailed inquiry. Further updates are expected once forensic analysis and the investigation is complete.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now Amarin 4 May 2026

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Helicopters are notoriously difficult to fly and, from the biggest to the smallest, very few passengers survive crashes.

My friend at Whistler went heli-skiing and crashed on a frozen lake. When the FAA came, they told him they'd never interviewed a survivor before!