Thailand: Police aircraft crashes into sea off Cha-am, killing five officers Photo

A police aircraft belonging to the Royal Thai Police crashed into the sea off the coast of Cha-am on April 25, resulting in the deaths of all five officers on board. 

The incident occurred during a test flight following routine maintenance, according to an official police statement, Caliber.Az reports per Thai media.

Police Lt. Gen. Achayon Kraithong, spokesman for the Royal Thai Police, confirmed the accident took place around 8:00 a.m. as the aircraft was taking part in a preparatory exercise for an upcoming parachute training mission in Hua Hin, Prachuap Khiri Khan Province.

Preliminary reports indicate that the aircraft, a Twin Otter with registration number 36964, experienced a loss of stability shortly after take-off. The pilot reportedly made efforts to regain control, but the aircraft plunged into the sea moments later. The cause of the crash remains under investigation.

Authorities are now working to recover the wreckage and flight data recorder (black box) to determine what went wrong. Technical experts and aviation officials have been called in to assist with a comprehensive inquiry.

In a statement issued shortly after the crash, National Police Chief Pol. Gen. Kittirat Phanphet expressed his condolences to the families of the victims and ordered that funeral arrangements be conducted with full honours. He also instructed police units to offer close support to the bereaved families and urged a swift and thorough investigation to prevent similar accidents in future operations.

“The Royal Thai Police mourn the loss of our brave officers who died in the line of duty,” the statement read.

The aircraft had been cleared for a routine test flight after undergoing scheduled repairs, police said. The incident raises questions about the safety protocols in place for post-maintenance procedures, which are now expected to come under increased scrutiny as the investigation unfolds.

By Aghakazim Guliyev