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Pilot dead after Bangkok flight crashes into tower
An estimated 10 people were hospitalized when a Bangkok Airways flight landed in rainy conditions, skidded off the runway and crashed into the air traffic control tower. The pilot was killed in the accident, which occurred at Samui airport in Thailand. Sixty-eight passengers were aboard the ATR72 twin-turboprop plane -- like the one in the image to the right -- along with two pilots and two crew members. Four foreign tourists – two British, two Dutch – were among the injured.
The air traffic control tower hit in the crash was not in use, according to a report by MSNBC. Nonetheless, Samui airport was closed, with at least one Thai Airways flight canceled.
UPDATE: Only seven people were hospitalized as a result of this accident, one of whom is the co-pilot. Other than the unfortunate death of the pilot (Chartchai Pansuwan), the most severe injury was broken legs.
Though the airline is not speculating on the cause of the crash, they say wind and rain may have played a part, and that the pilot had 19 years of experience. See the video below for some footage of the incident.
UPDATE 2: According to one of the passengers, Mirella Gastaldi, upon landing, the plane "was going too fast, it was not normal, it didn't brake. It was going too fast and a bit to the side. It all happened so fast, I realized we had crashed because I had two seats on top of me."
Though the airline is not speculating on the cause of the crash, they say wind and rain may have played a part, and that the pilot had 19 years of experience. See the video below for some footage of the incident.
UPDATE 2: According to one of the passengers, Mirella Gastaldi, upon landing, the plane "was going too fast, it was not normal, it didn't brake. It was going too fast and a bit to the side. It all happened so fast, I realized we had crashed because I had two seats on top of me."
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Joe Aug 4th 2009 9:33AM
Unfortunate accident. I wish you guys had put down it was a Koh Samui bound flight rather than Bangkok flight. Beautiful island but it's the monsoon season right now there so I would be reluctant to go. Since you can guarantee atleast one thunderstorm a day at some point of the day.
Also, I was surprised when the Thai airways flight got cancelled. Because Bangkok airlines owns the airport they only allowed their own flights onto the island. On our vacation a few years back, Thai air didn't fly direct so we took a flight to Surathani, then a bus, and ferry. It was a journey but we got to see so much of the less touristy parts of southern thailand.
Tom Aug 12th 2009 6:57PM
Wow. Somebody besides me who's been to Kho Samui (Kho Samet). Last time was in 1995. They used to shut power off to the entire island at 2:00 AM!
rstaiconsulting Aug 4th 2009 11:05AM
3rd Rule of Physics: "When a movable object collides with an immovable object, the someone dies."
William Aug 4th 2009 11:35AM
Unfortunate accident. In my experience as a former airline pilot, many times I was pressured by passengers to take off in thunderstorms, thick fog, heavy snow and even thick smoke. I guess the passengers felt that death would be better than being an hour late. Whenever a passenger demanded to know why I wouldnt take off, I would lok at them for a minute, then calmy state that I didnt feel like dying today, but if you are in such a rush to die, go on another flight that doesnt care about your safety.
Vince Aug 4th 2009 1:54PM
Did you go back to the passenger cabin to make your explanations personally, or invite each passenger that had a complaint into the cockpit?
Webo Aug 4th 2009 2:28PM
If you found this interesting you really should get a copy of the book, "Tower of Jacob" on Amazon.com.
LaDeena Aug 4th 2009 4:43PM
My condolences go out to the family of the deceased pilot. May his family find peace in knowing that a pilot is a very honorable job, getting people to from their worldly destinations. Wishing you peace and loving thoughts in your time of loss.
diane h Aug 4th 2009 5:01PM
I pray they were in the state of grace before they died. Are you saved?
steve326m Aug 11th 2009 3:54AM
YES I AM! Praise God!
Reginald Aug 4th 2009 5:11PM
With all the bad news coverage regarding aviation accidents recently, some folks may tend to forget that on a whole, airline travel is still much safer than automobile travel. And that is thanks in large part to the excellent training and job performance of pilots today. Thanks, guys!
Reginald
http://flightsimadventurer.blogspot.com
Mcap Aug 4th 2009 7:36PM
Is it me or have there been alot of plane crashes this year?We had one this morning not far from where I live.