/reeve.gif)
http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/local/2 ... chaiyaphum
Two Thai F16s crash during Cobra Gold
Published: 14/02/2011 at 04:17 PM
Online news: Local News
Two F16 fighters of the Thai air force taking part in the Cobra Gold 2011 exercise crashed on Monday morning in Chaiyaphum, but both pilots ejected safely, air force spokesman Monthon Satchukorn said.
Air Marshal Monthon said the two F16s disappeared from radar at 10.20am. They were part of a flight of four F16s which took off from Wing 1 of Nakhon Ratchasima to take part in the annual Cobra Gold exercise.
Wreckage of one of the two F16 fighters crash in Chaiyaphum on Feb 14, 2011. (Photo by Sutthipong Settharangsi)
The planes crashed into the forest near Tat Ton waterfall between Lae Hu Kwang and Wang Phon villages in tambon Tha Hin Ngom in Muang district of Chaiyaphum province.
The spokesman said air force commander in chief Ithaporn Suphawong had ordered the Air Safety Division to set up an inquiry into the crash.
AM Monthon said that the two fighters were first of of the 16 F16s bought from the United States in 2002 to have crashed.
It was known what caused the crash. However, he did not believe the two airplanes collided in mid-air
The two pilots - Group Captain Krisda Sukchan and Flight Lieutenant Chatchanon Promdet - had contacted Wing 1 in Nakhon Ratchasima and confirmed they are safe, AM Monthon said.
Search and rescue helicopters and land vehicles had been sent into the area near Tat Ton waterfall to find the pilots, who would be able to explain what happened.
/emirates.gif)