The government plans to collaborate with aviation experts to investigate the cause of a small plane crash that occurred in the mangrove forest of Chachoengsao on Thursday, resulting in the deaths of all nine individuals on board, which included five Chinese nationals, according to authorities.
Caretaker Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul spoke to the media after visiting the crash site, revealing that approximately 40% of the wreckage has been recovered. He mentioned that the collected pieces will be reassembled for examination by experts, with aircraft manufacturer specialists also participating.
Mr. Anutin indicated that witnesses would be interviewed for analysis since the small aircraft did not have a black box. He noted that the propeller aircraft, manufactured in the United States, was authorized to fly at an altitude of 5,000 feet (1.5 kilometers). In the event of an emergency, pilots—most of whom are experienced—were trained to attempt a gliding landing.
As a pilot himself, Mr. Anutin raised questions about why the plane failed to glide down safely and instead descended rapidly. He mentioned that witnesses reported hearing the aircraft’s engine before the crash, suggesting it was still operational. The investigation will focus on determining which component may have failed, and he expressed confidence that the airline company had adhered to all regulations regarding aircraft maintenance, noting that the definitive cause will be established later.
Pol Maj Gen Chatchai Nanthamongkol, commander of the Office of Police Forensic Science Region 2, stated that the identities of the nine recovered bodies were in the process of verification.
According to the flight tracking site FL360aero, the Thai Flying Service Cessna Caravan C208 (HS-SKR), with nine people on board, departed from Suvarnabhumi Airport at 2:46 PM, heading to Ko Mai Chee Airport in Trat province. It reportedly lost contact with the Suvarnabhumi control tower around 3 PM.
The crash occurred at 3:18 PM in a mangrove forest area behind Wat Khao Din in Bang Pakong district of Chachoengsao province. Rescuers utilized backhoe trucks to remove mud from the crash site, uncovering several body parts.
Chachoengsao Governor Chonlatee Yangtrong confirmed that all nine individuals aboard were believed to have been killed.
The Chinese passengers were identified as Zhang Jingjing, 12; Zhang Jing, 43; Tang Yu, 42; Yin Jinfeng, 45; and Yin Hang, 13. Additionally, two Thai flight attendants were named Napak Jirasiri, 35, and Siriyupa Arunatid, 26. The pilot was identified as Flt Lt Anucha Dechapirakchon, 61, with Pornsak Totab, 30, serving as the co-pilot.
