Wind shear blamed for Ko Samui crash
KO SAMUI – Latest reports suggest a sudden gust of wind may have caused a Bangkok Airways plane to skid and crash as it landed on the Thai resort island this week, killing its pilot.
The French-made ATR72-500 aircraft skidded off the runway as it landed on Tuesday, killing the chief pilot, Chartchai Pansuwan, and injuring 42 people.
Bangkok Airways said four passengers – one Italian, two British and one Swiss – were seriously hurt, along with the co-pilot, and most of the injured were European tourists.
The airport on the resort island resumed operations yesterday.
Investigators have removed the flight recorder from the plane. It will be sent to either the US or France where experts will try to determine the cause of the accident.
The co-pilot remains in critical condition at Bangkok Hospital and will undergo surgery on his chest and abdomen, according to the Phuket Gazette.
Another survivor, British woman Claire Ballantyne, said good safety measures at Samui airport allowed officials to quickly contain a fire on the aircraft before it spread.
Ian Jarrett
Have your say Cancel reply
Subscribe/Login to Travel Mole Newsletter
Travel Mole Newsletter is a subscriber only travel trade news publication. If you are receiving this message, simply enter your email address to sign in or register if you are not. In order to display the B2B travel content that meets your business needs, we need to know who are and what are your business needs. ITR is free to our subscribers.

































Qatar Airways offers flexible payment options for European travellers
Phocuswright reveals the world's largest travel markets in volume in 2025
Airlines suspend Madagascar services following unrest and army revolt
Digital Travel Reporter of the Mirror totally seduced by HotelPlanner AI Travel Agent
Cyclone in Sri Lanka had limited effect on tourism in contrary to media reports