BANGKOK, Sept 24 (TNA) – An aircraft of the Royal Rainmaking and Agricultural Aviation Department crashed in Kanchanaburi province during a flight training, killing a pilot trainee and an instructor.
The Agriculture Minister expressed his sorrow over the death of two pilots after the airplane crashed into a cassava plantation in Sai Yok district.
He extended his heartfelt condolences to the families of both pilots.
The cause of the accident is unknown at the moment but it is initially presumed to be related to engine failure.
The Cessna Caravan aircraft was in use for about 20 years in the artificial rain-making and disaster relief operations.
About 10 aircraft of the same model are still in operation.
The minister said he will seek the budget to procure the new aircraft for the royal irrigation department during the Cabinet’s meeting, citing the safety of his ministry’s personnel. (TNA)
