Synopsis
On 24 September 2015, a Diamond DA40 aircraft, registration HS-IAF, operated by the International Aviation College of Nakhon Phanom University, departed from Nakhon Phanom Airport with an instructor pilot and three passengers. The aircraft stopped at U-Tapao Rayong Pattaya International Airport for refueling before proceeding to the temporary takeoff and landing area for aircraft at Nong Kho reservoir in Sriracha district, Chonburi province. After arriving, the instructor pilot performed low passes to observe the glide paths of runways 24 and 06. The aircraft touched down on runway 06 but was unable to stop on the runway, ran into a tyre barrier, overran to the left, and collided with an embankment. The accident occurred at approximately 14:25 hours local time. The aircraft sustained substantial damage; the pilot and all three passengers exited safely.
Aircraft and Pilot
The aircraft, a Diamond DA40 (HS-IAF), was manufactured by Diamond Aircraft Industries. The pilot held a Commercial Pilot License issued by the Department of Civil Aviation (now CAAT) with ratings including single and multi-engine land, instrument, and flight instructor. He was 68 years old and held a valid Class 1 medical certificate with limitations requiring corrective lenses for distant and near vision.
Flight Details
The flight originated from Nakhon Phanom Airport with two parachute sets for periodic inspection of Extra 300 aircraft at the temporary landing area. After a stop at U-Tapao for refueling to maximum capacity (71 liters), the aircraft departed for the temporary area. Upon approach, the pilot received suggestions from another pilot regarding the preferred runway. After low passes, a short field landing was attempted on runway 06. The first touchdown point was 297 meters from the threshold. The pilot applied brakes but could not stop the aircraft on the runway. The aircraft struck a tyre barrier at the runway end, then overran left, traveled 8.5 meters on the runway strip, and collided with a 1-meter-high embankment across the threshold of runway 24.
Damage
The aircraft sustained substantial damage: the nose landing gear was ripped from the fuselage and the right side folded back. Both main landing gear cowlings were broken. The bottom engine cowling was torn and deformed. The left wing leading edge and flap were cracked. The right wing root and wingtip were cracked. All three propeller tips were bent. Additionally, one concrete guide post at the end of runway 06 was broken by impact with the left wing leading edge.
Injuries
No injuries were reported. The pilot and three passengers left the aircraft without assistance.