What happened
On 28 October 2021, at approximately 06:24 p.m., a Cirrus SR22T, registration HS-SYD, was performing a landing at a temporary take-off and landing area in Pahsak Subdistrict, Mueang District, Lamphun Province. The flight had departed from Don Mueang International Airport earlier that afternoon under Visual Flight Rules (VFR).
As the aircraft touched down on runway 19, the pilot and passenger observed a person walking on the runway centerline with their back to the approaching aircraft. In an attempt to avoid the individual, the pilot executed a sudden and forceful left turn. During this maneuver, the right wing of the aircraft struck the pedestrian, causing one fatality.
The rapid turn also caused significant mechanical issues; the left main tire detached from its rim, and the resulting damage led the left main wheel hub to scrape the runway surface, causing further damage to the aircraft and the runway itself. The pilot and passenger sustained no injuries, but the aircraft suffered substantial damage to the right wing leading edge, the trailing edge flap, and the landing gear assembly.
The investigation
The investigation established that the accident occurred after sunset, which violated the conditions of the temporary landing area license. While a security guard had been deployed to notify local residents—who often use the runway for exercise—that an aircraft was approaching, the surveillance of the area was insufficient. CCTV footage indicated that the deceased had walked from a nearby factory toward the runway approximately 14 minutes before the landing. It is believed the individual may have been wearing headphones, which could have prevented them from hearing the aircraft.
Findings
- The pilot conducted the landing after sunset, resulting in limited visibility for identifying hazards on the runway.
- The licensee of the temporary landing area failed to strictly monitor and prevent unauthorized persons from entering the runway area.
- The lack of physical fencing around the runway allowed pedestrians to access the active surface.
- The use of only steel traffic barriers was insufficient to fully secure the site during dusk operations.