Pattaya Airport Owner Dies In Mystery Plane Crash

[Rimmer]

Pattaya Airport Owner dies in mystery plane crash

PATTAYA:--Reports came in late on Saturday Night of a plane crash which occurred close to the Pattaya Dolphin World & Resort located in the Huay Yai area. The crash occurred at 6.30pm on Saturday Evening.

The pilot of the small plane, which had just taken off from the Pattaya Airpark also in the Huay Yai area was Khun Nawaporn aged 55, the President of the Pattaya Pilot Club Association, Owner of the Pattaya Airpark & Pilot Village and C.E.O. of the Fun Flying Thai Air Service Company.

Details are limited about the crash at this time as the incident is currently under investigation by the Thai Civil Aviation Authority and the family of the deceased are avoiding all contact with local media for now.

Khun Nawaporn was rushed to the Bangkok Hospital Pattaya after the crash and was attended to for 2 hours by physicians who were unable to save his life. He passed away with his family at his bedside. He is known to have suffered severe trauma to his legs and arms and a head injury.

Full story:http://www.pattayaon...ry-plane-crash/

-- Pattaya One 2013-01-13

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[Rimmer]

Another Private Plane Crash in Pattaya Area

PATTAYA:--Reports are sketchy but a private plane has crashed in the Hua Yai area, killing its pilot.

At Approx 9.30 to 10 in the evening today, Saturday, a plane reported an engine malfunction shortly before crashing in a field. Landing Nose first in the ground, the pilot suffered fatal injuries and was dispatched to hospital where he subsequently is reported to have died, as family members including his wife were at his side.

Full story:http://www.pattaya103.com/private-plane-crash-in-pattaya-area/

--Pattaya 103 FM 2013-01-13

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[DavoTheGun]

This is very sad, Neil was a great guy and was trying hard to get general aviation a viable proposition in Thailand, He will be sadly missed. This may be the end of the Air Park as it was Neil's dream!

[Spoonman]

RIP.

And again with the news articles offering different information, did the crash happen at 6.30pm or 9.30?

looking at the scenery behind the plane it would appear that 6.30pm to be the more accurate timing, I cannot believe these reporters struggle so much with basic reporting.

Edited January 13, 2013 by Spoonman

[LennyW]

RIP.

And again with the news articles offering different information, did the crash happen at 6.30pm or 9.30?

looking at the scenery behind the plane it would appear that 6.30pm to be the more accurate timing, I cannot believe these reporters struggle so much with basic reporting.

It was just after 6 o'clock.

dam_n shame.

[cloudhopper]

Very tragic and a great loss to the flying community here in Thailand. Flying after sunset greatly reduces the chances for a successful forced landing, even in aircraft with illuminated instruments...

RIP Neil and condolences to the family.

[lumply]

R.I.P Neil. I truly hope that someone as enthusiastic as you were about promoting sport and recreational flying will take over the reigns at the Airpark. And to his family and close friends, my deepest sympathies.

[lumply]

RIP.

And again with the news articles offering different information, did the crash happen at 6.30pm or 9.30?

looking at the scenery behind the plane it would appear that 6.30pm to be the more accurate timing, I cannot believe these reporters struggle so much with basic reporting.

Ultralight flying is strictly a daylight hours VFR (visual flight rules) activity. Aircraft in this category as shown in the photograph are not equipped with navigation and recognition lights, let alone panel illumination for legal night flight by a responsible pilot, which Neil surely was. It is highly unlikely therefore that the accident happened at the very latest more than than 30 minutes after official local sunset.

[TommyDee]

RIP.

And again with the news articles offering different information, did the crash happen at 6.30pm or 9.30?

looking at the scenery behind the plane it would appear that 6.30pm to be the more accurate timing, I cannot believe these reporters struggle so much with basic reporting.

As with any report, we are limited to the information provided,sorry for the difference in time reports but the story first reached us just after midnight and did include the fact that it was news "just coming in"

the plane was a Kestrel Hawk and our news page has now been revised to give the correct time of the accident, together with pilot and plane details for those to whom it is if interest.

a very sad accident for sure.

Updates at http://www.pattaya103.com/private-plane-crash-in-pattaya-area/

[TommyDee]

RIP.

And again with the news articles offering different information, did the crash happen at 6.30pm or 9.30?

looking at the scenery behind the plane it would appear that 6.30pm to be the more accurate timing, I cannot believe these reporters struggle so much with basic reporting.

Ultralight flying is strictly a daylight hours VFR (visual flight rules) activity. Aircraft in this category as shown in the photograph are not equipped with navigation and recognition lights, let alone panel illumination for legal night flight by a responsible pilot, which Neil surely was. It is highly unlikely therefore that the accident happened at the very latest more than than 30 minutes after official local sunset.

you are of course totally correct. pls see the above amendment.

[Rimmer]

UPDATE

Another Private Plane Crash in Pattaya Area.. UPDATED

PATTAYA:--A private plane has crashed in the Hua Yai area, killing its pilot.

Between 6.30 and 7 in the evening today, Saturday, an Ultra Light Kestrel Hawk reported an engine malfunction shortly before crashing in a field. Landing Nose first in the ground, the pilot suffered fatal injuries and was dispatched to hospital where he subsequently is reported to have died, as family members including his wife were at his side. No other passengers are reported to have been on board

The Pilot has been named as Mr. Nawaporn ”Neil” Sawaetwong, a 55 year old who was flying from Pattaya airpark in the white, single engine, plane which is now being examined by forensics experts.

Nawaporn Sawaetawong was an experienced pilot having passed the flying examinations in 1991 and followed up with further licensing for Helicopters and seaplanes. His records show over 2000 hours in the air including work with experimental planes, such as the one which crashed.

In 2006 he established his own Airpark in Pattaya which has become an extremely popular destination for flying enthusiasts. He was also the President of The Pattaya Pilot Club association and his airpark was registered as an Authorized Training Organization (ATO) for Private Pilot Training in June 2010

The Kestrel Hawk, the crashed “ultra Light” plane, was a two seater Bi-Plane ( two sets of wings one above the other) and had the engine mounted in a “pushing” formation ( Prop facing the rear) and above the fuselage, which allowed it to be converted for landing on water if desired.

Full story:http://www.pattaya103.com/private-plane-crash-in-pattaya-area/

--Pattaya 103 FM 2013-01-13

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[Potosi]

RIP.

And again with the news articles offering different information, did the crash happen at 6.30pm or 9.30?

looking at the scenery behind the plane it would appear that 6.30pm to be the more accurate timing, I cannot believe these reporters struggle so much with basic reporting.

The '9.30' article actually says "Between 6.30 and 7 in the evening today, Saturday, an Ultra Light Kestrel Hawk reported an engine malfunction shortly before crashing in a field." Seems to be correct. The one by PatayaOne however claimed a "Nasa Experimental plane" has crashed, that would be the Pipistrel Virus right there on the pic. That's what the witnesses saw. A monoplane. Two months ago a light aircraft crashed into Pattaya Bay, and another one last month in Pathum Thani. It happens frequently. Having watched master Thai craftsmen doing not so good jobs repairing my house, I wonder if the maintenance staff on the small airfields is any better.

[TommyDee]

RIP.

And again with the news articles offering different information, did the crash happen at 6.30pm or 9.30?

looking at the scenery behind the plane it would appear that 6.30pm to be the more accurate timing, I cannot believe these reporters struggle so much with basic reporting.

The '9.30' article actually says "Between 6.30 and 7 in the evening today, Saturday, an Ultra Light Kestrel Hawk reported an engine malfunction shortly before crashing in a field." Seems to be correct. The one by PatayaOne however claimed a "Nasa Experimental plane" has crashed, that would be the Pipistrel Virus right there on the pic. That's what the witnesses saw. A monoplane. Two months ago a light aircraft crashed into Pattaya Bay, and another one last month in Pathum Thani. It happens frequently. Having watched master Thai craftsmen doing not so good jobs repairing my house, I wonder if the maintenance staff on the small airfields is any better.

The virus pics on Howards pattaya1 web page are lifted from the gentleman's facebook page and are not of the plane that crashed. The same facebook page tells of a flight to cambodia, which is where those pics came from and are nothing to do with the crash last night.

[marstons]

strange it landed nose first, should still have managed a glide approach even with that light. Sad loss, as my instucter used to Say there are old pilots and bold pilots but not many old bold pilots. The one in Pattaya bay i think would be classed as pilot error cutting engines in that weather at that height was an error. this one who knows but a nose dive is unusual.

Edited January 13, 2013 by marstons

[Rimmer]

Thrill-Seeking Pattaya Pilot Makes Final Flight

PATTAYA:--A 55-year-old former daredevil pilot who had survived 16 plane crashes died in a Huay Yai airfield during a test flight of his new experimental airplane. The victim owned a private airport in Huay Yai, and continued to fly despite a crash seven years ago that left him paralyzed in a wheelchair.

BANGLAMUNG – January 12, 2013 [PDN]; a report of a small airplane crash in a Tapioca field that injured the pilot was received by Pol. Col. Khamphol Leelapraphakorn, Superintendent, Huay Yai police station.

The crash site was in the area of Moo 9 in Tambon Huay Yai. At the scene, police discovered the damaged aircraft planted nose down on the ground. The 2-seat plane was reportedly a new “microlight” model of an experimental aircraft. Its front end was severely damaged by the crash.

The pilot was identified as Mr. Nawaporn or Tung Pravetvong, age 55, from Bangkok. A lifelong pilot, he was the owner of Pattaya Airpark airport in Banglamung.

Mr. Nawaporn was in a coma and seriously injured by the crash. His right foot was almost torn off, and he had broken right ribs. He was rushed to Bangkok-Pattaya hospital, where he later died.

Mr. Nawaporn had just bought the small plane two weeks ago from a seller in England. On a test flight at the Pattaya Airpark airport, Mr. Nawaporn took off without incident.

But about 15 minutes later, the plane malfunctioned and crashed to the ground. Police are coordinating with civil aviation officials who will inspect the plane to find the cause of the crash.

Full story:http://www.pattayada...s-final-flight/

--PATTAYA DAILY NEWS 2013-01-13

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[TommyDee]

strange it landed nose first, should still have managed a glide approach even with that light. Sad loss, as my instucter used to Say there are old pilots and bold pilots but not many old bold pilots. The one in Pattaya bay i think would be classed as pilot error cutting engines in that weather at that height was an error. this one who knows but a nose dive is unusual.

There are various and conflicting reports coming in through today regarding the accident. The plane was purchased second hand last year and some reports state that it was being test flown to check on repairs or servicing, that the engine stopped and then the plane went into a spin before the crash. We cant confirm this but it IS in the Thai media. I have no idea how easily a microlight/ultralight is to pul out of a spin, but would imagine that the engine mounted atop the fuselage makes it top heavy. Perhaps someone here with real aviation experience can comment.

[Humbugged]

strange it landed nose first, should still have managed a glide approach even with that light. Sad loss, as my instucter used to Say there are old pilots and bold pilots but not many old bold pilots. The one in Pattaya bay i think would be classed as pilot error cutting engines in that weather at that height was an error. this one who knows but a nose dive is unusual.

It didn't land, it crashed.

[cloudhopper]

strange it landed nose first, should still have managed a glide approach even with that light. Sad loss, as my instucter used to Say there are old pilots and bold pilots but not many old bold pilots. The one in Pattaya bay i think would be classed as pilot error cutting engines in that weather at that height was an error. this one who knows but a nose dive is unusual.

This is the first time I have read that the Pattaya accident featured an intentional engine shut down. Do you have a source for that?

The picture of this accident does indeed suggest a stall or spin rather than a nose-over or ground collision on landing. The airspeed indicator is the primary safety instrument and it may have been difficult to see after sunset.

[TommyDee]

My truck has go fast stripes on it.. it doesnt mean it goes faster. seriously

Experimental I think you will find, printed on a plane indicates that it was supplied originally as a kit and not a complete plane by the factory, it does not mean it is experimental.

THE NASA LOGO.. does not mean it was a NASA plane or indeed anything to do with NASA. the logo actually says that the PLANE MODEL won a prize 5-6 years ago

Todays speculation seems to be based on a quick lift from facebook and a guess. the plane shown in one new source and referred to in another is NOT the plane that crashed. the plane they refer to is the one that appears to have been flown the day before. the only reason it has the stickers on it is for marketing purposes and it would be safe to assume that it was brand new.

and I felt bad cos we got the time wrong

Edited January 13, 2013 by TommyDee

[Humbugged]

What do brand new stickers have to do with it ?

[monty]

Anybody's guess at this stage as to what exactly happened, but low altitude stall/spin accidents after an engine failure are quite common.

Mostly a result of trying to reach a safe landing site, whereas it is preferable to go for a slightly controlled crash straight ahead, even when there might be obstacles, as opposed to doing low level maneuvering leading to a stall/spin.

I unfortunately witnessed such accident years ago in my home country, where the engine on a small plane (a Morane soulnier) failed shortly after take off at an altitude of maybe 200 ft, where the pilot tried to make an impossible 180 turn trying to get back to the airfield. End result was exactly the same as in the picture of the above accident, plane planted almost vertically into the ground nose down.

[DavoTheGun]

With my limited experience as a pilot, commercial and an instructor for aerobatics, and unusual attitudes, with (12000+ hours) the damage to the right wing indicates a spin, but does it really matter, a good man has died doing what he liked doing and was very good at it, he obviously did not have enough altitude to make any sort of crash landing which should have been survivable, RIP Neil.

May the many "experts" leave it alone unless you have something worthwhile to contribute!

[Spalpeen]

This is a huge shock coming so soon after the death of Tom Grieve. Like Tom, Neil Newaporn was a gentleman and a fine aviator. A great loss.

[cloudhopper]

Experimental I think you will find, printed on a plane indicates that it was supplied originally as a kit and not a complete plane by the factory, it does not mean it is experimental.

Just to clarify - about 2 or 3 years ago the Thai aviation authorities required all ultralight aircraft (identified here as U-) to be placarded EXPERIMENTAL, regardless of whether they were built by a factory or certified otherwise in another country.

[NILStudents]

The time in the article of Neil's plane crash is not correct! We dont know why do they do it! But!

When we came to our lesson it the day of crash at 17:00 pm we saw the plane and Neil was moved to the hospital allready! The crash was about 4:30 pm!!!!

Neil is the man of high professionality and very good man! Many times he immitated stop of the engine and landed very well in any situation.

Edited January 14, 2013 by NILStudents

[cloudhopper]

Thank you for that very important information. The standard of (English language at least) news reporting in this country is indeed appalling.

[Humbugged]

The time in the article of Neil's plane crash is not correct! We dont know why do they do it! But!

When we came to our lesson it the day of crash at 17:00 pm we saw the plane and Neil was moved to the hospital allready! The crash was about 4:30 pm!!!!

Neil is the man of high professionality and very good man! Many times he immitated stop of the engine and landed very well in any situation.

Many people, mostly instructors...initiate forced landings and pull them off every time....then one time things do not go to plan when they really need to.

I have known that to happen to a few people.

Try engine off over water emergency landings to really cak your daks..

[marstons]

strange it landed nose first, should still have managed a glide approach even with that light. Sad loss, as my instucter used to Say there are old pilots and bold pilots but not many old bold pilots. The one in Pattaya bay i think would be classed as pilot error cutting engines in that weather at that height was an error. this one who knows but a nose dive is unusual.

This is the first time I have read that the Pattaya accident featured an intentional engine shut down. Do you have a source for that?

The picture of this accident does indeed suggest a stall or spin rather than a nose-over or ground collision on landing. The airspeed indicator is the primary safety instrument and it may have been difficult to see after sunset.

It was on one of the micro light forums, said he did same thing the day before as a dry run to scattering another guys ashes in view of others in boats to see. Edited January 15, 2013 by marstons

[marstons]

strange it landed nose first, should still have managed a glide approach even with that light. Sad loss, as my instucter used to Say there are old pilots and bold pilots but not many old bold pilots. The one in Pattaya bay i think would be classed as pilot error cutting engines in that weather at that height was an error. this one who knows but a nose dive is unusual.

It didn't land, it crashed.

its not in the air so its on land so thefrore landed all be it a crash landing.

[DavoTheGun]

Please somebody close this topic, it is getting stupid, as usual, have some consideration for his family, Please! RIP Neil