36964 Aviation Accident 2025-04-25
Fatal Accident (6) - Royal Thai Police Wing Viking DHC-6-400 Twin Otter, 36964, off Hua Hin Airport (HHQ/VTPH), Cha-am, Phetchaburi, Thailand, April 25, 2025.
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Accident Information
| Approx. Accident Location | Aircraft Fatalities | Ground Fatalities | Injured | ASN Entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12°38'7.75"N, 99°57'22.41"E | 6 | 0 | 0 | Aviation Safety Network |
Aircraft Information
| Type | Operator | Registration | Serial Number | Manufacture Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Viking DHC-6-400 Twin Otter | Royal Thai Police Wing | 36964 | 964 | 2017 |
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YouTube Accident Related Video(s)
Other Video(s)
A Royal Thai Police DHC-6-400 Twin Otter crashed into the sea off Hua Hin, Thailand, killing all six on board.
The aircraft had just taken off from Hua Hin Airport (HHQ) for a test flight.pic.twitter.com/MrVVK0OoO0— Aviation Safety Network (ASN) (@AviationSafety) April 25, 2025
ASX Accident Report
On April 25, 2025, a Viking DHC-6-400 Twin Otter aircraft, registration 36964, operated by the Royal Thai Police Aviation Division, crashed into the Gulf of Thailand approximately 100 meters offshore from Cha-am Beach, Phetchaburi province. The aircraft, call sign RTP964, had departed from Hua Hin Airport at approximately 8:08 a.m. local time for a test flight following recent maintenance procedures. The aircraft was carrying six individuals: three pilots, two mechanics, and one aircraft engineer. Initial reports indicated all occupants perished at the scene, but later updates clarified that one pilot, Pol Capt Chaturong Wattanapaisarn, initially survived the impact and was transported to Hua Hin Hospital where he later succumbed to his injuries.
The Twin Otter had been undergoing a post-maintenance test flight in preparation for a scheduled parachute training operation. According to preliminary findings, the aircraft lost directional stability shortly after takeoff. Witness video captured the aircraft climbing briefly before entering a steep nose-down attitude and crashing into the sea, breaking apart upon impact. Local meteorological conditions at the time were stable, with light winds and good visibility reported by Hua Hin Airport METAR observations. Despite the pilots’ efforts to regain control, the aircraft descended rapidly and submerged in shallow coastal waters close to a populated resort area.
Authorities confirmed the deceased as members of the Royal Thai Police Wing, including senior pilots and technical maintenance personnel. The aircraft, manufactured by Viking Air in 2017, was part of a fleet delivered to Thailand in 2020. It was powered by two Pratt & Whitney PT6A-34 turboprop engines and was known for its versatility and short takeoff and landing capabilities. Prior to the crash, the aircraft had been based at Don Mueang Airport and was typically deployed for a variety of tactical operations including medical evacuation, cargo transport, and search and rescue missions.
Investigative attention quickly focused on mechanical failure as a possible causal factor. Officials disclosed that prior maintenance work had addressed issues involving a wing strut and the flight control stick. Early indications suggest that a catastrophic right engine failure occurred during the initial climb phase. However, the exact sequence of events remains under review pending further analysis of the wreckage, flight data, and mechanical logs. Recovery operations were immediately initiated by a coordinated effort involving the Air Support Division, Marine Police, and other Royal Thai Police units to preserve potential evidence.
The wreckage retrieval and subsequent forensic examination are expected to offer critical insight into the failure chain. Witnesses and available video recordings are being analyzed in conjunction with structural and engine component inspections. Given the aircraft’s low altitude and proximity to shore at the time of the crash, investigators are examining aerodynamic factors, maintenance actions, and possible material failures that could have contributed to the loss of control. The Thai aviation authority and Police Aviation Division have jointly announced a review of flight safety protocols and maintenance standards for all aircraft under their jurisdiction.
The loss of the Royal Thai Police DHC-6-400 Twin Otter underscores the risks associated with test flights following significant mechanical repairs. Investigators will continue to evaluate whether proper procedures were followed during the aircraft’s maintenance and return-to-service checks. The Royal Thai Police leadership has committed to a full inquiry to determine the root cause and implement measures to prevent similar accidents. Updates from the official investigation are expected as evidence analysis progresses.
This page will be updated as more information becomes available.
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