Pilot Killed As Fighter Jet Crashes During Children's Airshow In Thailand

By Mohd Haikal Mohd Isa BANGKOK, Jan 14 (Bernama) -- An air show for children turned to horror as a Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) fighter jet, 'JAS39 C Gripen' crashed near the Hatyai Airport today, killing the pilot. Squadron Leader Dilokrit Pattavee, 35, died on the spot at 9.27am (local time), amidst a large plume of fire and black smoke billowing into the sky. According to the RTAF, the crash occurred during an exhibition flight in conjunction with the Children's Day celebration. There were gasps and moans as a large crowd, mostly parents who brought their children to watch the air show, witnessed the horrific crash. The airport was closed immediately after the incident with incoming flights diverted to the nearby Krabi Airport as rescue personnel raced to the crash site to carry out the grim task of sifting the wreckage to begin investigations. The children's air show was also cancelled. Meanwhile, RTAF chief ACM Jom Rungsawang in a statement expressed sorrow over the incident and instructed the authorities to conduct an investigation into the deadly crash. Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha conveyed his deepest sympathies to the family of the deceased fighter pilot, as well as the RTAF. He also urged all RTAF members and other branches of the Thai Armed Forces to exercise safety precautions at the highest level, according to the government spokesman, Maj Gen Weerachon. The RTAF has about 16 Swedish-made 'Gripen' multi-role combat aircraft in its fleet, with most of the single-engine fighter jets based at an air force airbase in Surat Thani, southern Thailand. Besides the 'Gripen' as its frontline fighter aircraft, the RTAF also maintains a large number of US-made F-16 'Fighting Falcon' and other makes of fighter jets. -- BERNAMA