AN AIR FORCE C-130 transport aircraft skidded off Samui Airport’s apron this afternoon (May 2) after its brake system malfunctioned but all eight officers and 54 passengers, a total of 62, are safe, Thai Rath newspaper said this evening.
ACM Prapas Sonjai, the Air Force spokesperson, said at approximately 2.30 p.m. this transport aircraft, attached to Squadron 601, Wing 6, which was on a training mission from Don Mueang to Trang then Koh Samui and back to Don Mueang, was parked at Samui Airport apron when the pilot detected a problem with the brake system.
He was then unable to control the aircraft which moved forward from the apron, hit an electric pole, before stopping in a field just in front of it.
The pilot ordered the evacuation of all aboard through the rear exit with everyone getting out safely and no one injured.
Initial damage included the left wing’s front section hitting the electric pole and the front of the aircraft hitting a parking sign in the field.
This accident did not affect public safety nor the airport structure and the Air Force Safety Office has been assigned to conduct a thorough investigation to find the cause and prevent similar incidents from happening again in the future.
CAPTION:
A Thai Air Force C-130 transport aircraft. Photo: Thai Rath
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