Helicopter crashes in northeastern Thailand

A military helicopter crashed on Wednesday morning in Thailand's northeastern province of Srisaket Province while on duty, local FM 100 Traffic Radio reported.

The helicopter, which is belonging to the Royal Thai Army, was crashed at about 10 a.m. (0300 GMT) in Srisaket Province's Muang district due to mechanical problems.

Witness said a pilot and an engineer managed to jump out of the copter before it crashed, the radio report said.

Both the two military men were rushed to a nearby hospital.

The crash also caused blast and the copter was totally damaged.

The helicopter was on an exercise duty from northeastern Surin Province to Ubon Ratchathani Province.

Source: Xinhua - 23 January 2008

Army training helicopter crashes in Si Sa Ket

Si Sa Ket - A pilot instructor and a pilot trainee were injured when an army training helicopter crashed in this northeastern province Wednesday, police said.

The helicopter was flying from Surin to Ubon Ratchathani and developed an engine malfunction and crashed on a field in Si Sa Ket's Muang district at 10:45 am.

The two pilots were pulled out of the helicopter by workers of a near-by furniture shop in time before it exploded, police said.

They were identified as Captain Dej Prakorbpol, 45, the instructor, and Corporal Kawi Songwiang, 30.

Source: The Nation - 23 January 2008

Hope they recover fully

Witness said a pilot and an engineer managed to jump out of the copter before it crashed, the radio report said.

The two pilots were pulled out of the helicopter by workers of a near-by furniture shop in time before it exploded, police said

So they jumped, yes or no ..??

Hope they'll be OK though

Helicopter crashes in northeastern Thailand

Witness said a pilot and an engineer managed to jump out of the copter before it crashed, the radio report said.

Source: Xinhua - 23 January 2008

I suppose they must have waited until it was a foot above the ground, ensuring an easy jump

That does not sound right......

Witness said a pilot and an engineer managed to jump out of the copter before it crashed, the radio report said.

In other words, "the driver fled the scene", albeit unsuccessfully this time

On a serious note, I do hope they recover quickly.

They both came thru with just a few bumps and bruises. Great it ending well. A lucky Crew.