United Kingdom
United States
Asia Pacific
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
Walt Leger on New Orleans’ Resilience and Major Events Ahead
Cindy Mackin Shares Estes Park’s Winter Thrills
Mark Jaronski of Explore Georgia on FIFA World Cup 2026
Connecting Small Businesses to Global Tourism Markets: Nate Huff of Tourism Exchange
North Carolina’s Resilience: Wit Tuttell on Recovery and Tourism
Kittipong Prapattong’s Plan for Thailand’s Tourism Growth: Taxes, Visas, and Campaigns
James Jin: Didatravel’s Journey from China to Global Reach and the Impact of AI on Travel
Darien Schaefer on Pensacola’s Evolution: From Small Town to Global Destination
Florida Tourism’s Next Frontier: Dana Young on Expanding Beyond the Classics
Patrick Harrison on Tampa Bay Tourism’s Resilience and Marketing Strategy
Bubba O’Keefe on Clarksdale’s Vibrant Music Scene
Commemorating Elvis and Embracing Tupelo’s Culture with Jennie Bradford Curlee
BA suspending all Heathrow to Abu Dhabi flights
Unexpected wave rocks cruise ship
Report: Cruise guest died after ship lashed in heavy storm
British teen in serious condition after paraglider collision
JetBlue scraps London Gatwick flights