A Thai Air Force training exercise culminated in a fatal incident on Thursday when an AT-6TH Wolverine light attack and reconnaissance aircraft crashed in a designated military zone. The accident occurred in the Chom Thong district, approximately 60 kilometers (37 miles) from Chiang Mai’s main airport, resulting in the tragic loss of both pilots aboard.
Air Marshal Jackkrit Thammavichai, acting as spokesperson, confirmed the devastating outcome of the mission. The two-seater turboprop plane, manufactured by U.S.-based Beechcraft, a subsidiary of Textron Aviation, was engaged in a routine training operation at the time of the incident. Authorities have immediately launched a comprehensive investigation to determine the precise cause of the crash, examining all potential technical, environmental, and operational factors.
This tragedy strikes shortly after the Thai Air Force bolstered its aerial capabilities with the acquisition of these advanced fighter-trainer aircraft. The commission of its fleet of eight AT-6TH Wolverines was only finalized in September, marking a significant modernization effort for the nation’s military aviation division. The incident represents a considerable setback and has cast a somber shadow over the force, prompting a likely review of training protocols and aircraft safety measures.