No survivors found in Thai military helicopter crash

PETCHABURI, 17 July 2011 (NNT) – Lieutenant General Udomdej Sritabutr of 1st Army Area, confirmed that 5 soldiers were in a helicopter accident at the Kaeng Krajaan National park in Phetchaburi province, with no survivors found. The accident resulted from poor weather conditions, causing the helicopter to crash into the mountains.

As for the flight, the Huey was flown by the Praya Tiger Unit comprising pilot Major Kittisuk Jeeniem, co-pilot Lieutenant Pratya Nuelsri, engineers Master Sergeant First Class Rungsun Polsaibua, and Master Sergeant First Class Narongdej Pongnumkul all of whom were based at the 9th Infantry Division. The fifth casualty of the accident was Major Kittipoom Eakpunt, the deputy commander of the 2nd battalion of the 9th Infantry Division of Military operations.

Moreover, helicopters within the area were assigned to seek out the crashed Huey and signs of any survivors. However, due the poor weather conditions, the search and rescue mission had been halted ,to be continued after clear improvements of the weather.