A Thai-German pilot sustained serious injuries after his light aircraft crashed into the wall of a scrap-buying business near a private airfield in Bang Lamung district, Chon Buri, October 13. The incident occurred around 11:30 am near Buraphathit Airfield, also known as Eastern Airport Pattaya, approximately 100 meters past the runway.
Upon arrival, officers from Nong Prue Police Station and rescue workers discovered a severely damaged blue-and-white, single-engine aircraft embedded in the business’s boundary wall. The impact caused damage to the wall and a portion of the roof, and a strong smell of fuel was present around the wreckage.
The pilot has been identified as 32-year-old Martin Huber, a Thai-German national who reportedly owned the two-seat aircraft. He suffered a fractured upper left arm and a significant facial wound. Rescue personnel provided initial treatment at the scene before transporting him to Bangkok Hospital Pattaya for further medical care.
Somchai Topphon, a 52-year-old resident who captured footage of the incident, stated that the aircraft had taken off roughly two minutes prior to returning towards the airfield. Somchai observed that the pilot seemed to be preparing for landing but then initiated a go-around maneuver, potentially due to insufficient engine power. However, the aircraft was unable to gain enough altitude and subsequently crashed beyond the runway. Investigators have not yet confirmed if engine trouble was a factor in the crash.
Chumphon Maneechot, the 42-year-old owner of the damaged business, reported hearing what sounded like an aircraft engine falter while he was seated in a vehicle at the rear of his property. Shortly thereafter, the plane impacted his property’s wall, narrowly missing his home’s roof. A falling tree branch also caused damage to the building.
Following the crash, accident investigators secured the site to preserve the wreckage for examination. Flight Sergeant First Class Pornchai Boonmuang, an official with the Aircraft Accident and Incident Investigation Committee, announced that a specialized team, including aviation engineers, will inspect the aircraft to determine the cause of the crash. Investigators also intend to interview the injured pilot as part of their ongoing inquiry.