Meanwhile, funeral rites yesterday began for the captain who was operating the aircraft at the time of the incident.
The team of officials conducted a full examination and investigation of the scene of the JABIRU 450 light aircraft crash in a plot of land behind the Plearn Jan village, Moo 2 in Pa Khlok, near the Phuket Airpark yesterday morning (Mar 11) from 8:20am until about 4pm.
The head of the AIC, who declined to be named, explained that along with conducting a thorough investigation of all the aircraft’s documentation, they also questioned witnesses, examined tracks at the scene, photographing all evidence and checking the topography and route of the aircraft as part of the ongoing investigation.
Following the investigation a crane and truck were then used to carefully remove the aircraft’s remains from the scene and into temporary storage at Thalang Technical College while the investigation continues.
“After the AIC has conducted investigation, the Ministry of Transport will inspect all the evidence. Therefore the aircraft must be stored in a safe place in case of any uncertainties, so it can be examined again. Thalang Technical College was chosen as the best place to store the aircraft,” the head of the AIC said.
“The investigation is not yet conclusive as many of the officials are still gathering information including the death reports, proof of interviewing witnesses and all involved.
“The information will be reviewed at a meeting. We will use computer simulation graphics to recreate the incident. We also have to invite Australian aircraft manufacturers to check if the condition of the engine was usual or not,” he added.
Meanwhile, Phuket Governor Norraphat Plodthong went to Vachira Phuket Hospital in Phuket Town to visit the injured Adel Samae (19) from Phuket and Orawan Jindarak (18) from Songkhla, both students at Thalang Technical College’s Aviation Maintenance Department of High Vocational Certificate 1.
Members of the investigative committee also joined the visit to gather more information about the incident.
“It would not be possible to disclose the details right now due to the need to follow the sequence of investigation. It takes time,” said the head of the AIC.
“It is believed that almost 100% of the accident will be documented and the information is to be reported to the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).”
Gov Norraphat also attended the first day of seven days of funeral rites for Cpt Wattana Thinphanga, 68, at Sopon Wanaram Temple (Pa Khlok temple), while the body of Lt Narin will be returned to his home in Pathum Thani.