Training Helicopter Crashes in Bang Pu, Both Escape Safely
A training helicopter crashed and caught fire in Bang Pu, Samut Prakan, but both the pilot and mechanic escaped with only minor injuries after the aircraft lost power during takeoff.
A two-seat training helicopter made an emergency landing and caught fire after crashing into a wooded area in Bang Pu, with both occupants escaping with only minor injuries.
The Samut Prakan Emergency Medical Center received a report at 09:10 of a helicopter crash near Soi Bang Mek Khao on Suwit Sai Kao Road in Thai Ban subdistrict, Mueang district. Ambulances, rescue workers, firefighters and police were dispatched to the scene.
Rescuers found the helicopter in dense vegetation beside a factory at the end of the soi. Firefighters had to drag hoses through the undergrowth to extinguish flames burning around the aircraft's engine. The fire was brought under control after about 30 minutes, and the area was sealed off for further investigation.
Authorities initially reported that the aircraft was a Guimbal Cabri G2, a modern two-seat light helicopter widely used for flight training. The pilot and a mechanic, who was travelling with him, suffered only minor injuries.
Mueang Samut Prakan Police Chief Pol. Col. Chakkrit Srirojanakul said police received the crash report at about 08:30. According to the preliminary investigation, the helicopter was piloted by the owner of a local factory, with a captain accompanying him. The pair had departed from the factory's private helipad and were heading to another factory in Chon Buri province.
After climbing to an altitude of about 10 metres, the helicopter reportedly experienced a technical problem. The pilot attempted an emergency landing about 30 metres from the take-off point.
During the landing, the rotor blades struck tall grass, igniting a fire. Both occupants escaped safely before the flames spread and sustained no serious injuries, suffering only minor mud and algae stains from leaving the crash site.
Police said initial information indicated the engine may have lost power, prompting the emergency landing. The helicopter was about two years old and had valid flight permits. Mueang Samut Prakan Deputy District Chief Rewat Hoonarat said the crash occurred on factory land away from residential communities, and no nearby residents were affected.
Forensic police and other relevant agencies are examining the scene to determine the exact cause of the accident and assess the damage.
