Flight History
The aircraft, a Piper PA31-350 registered HS-FGB, was operated by Rabbit Wings Airways Co. Ltd. On 26 April 2016, the pilot filled all fuel tanks at U-Tapao-Rayong-Pattaya International Airport in preparation for a flight. The following day, the aircraft flew to Suvarnabhumi Airport, where it was parked without refueling for three months and three days.
On 1 August 2016, the aircraft operated flight TRB-106 from Suvarnabhumi Airport to Nakhon Ratchasima Airport and back, carrying two pilots and two passengers. The flight to Nakhon Ratchasima took 1 hour 30 minutes, and no refueling occurred at that airport.
Accident Sequence
While returning to Suvarnabhumi Airport, the co-pilot observed the left engine exhaust gas temperature indicator showing 0 degrees Fahrenheit. The pilot was notified, and the co-pilot reported minimum fuel to air traffic control, requesting priority landing. A stall warning sounded at short intervals; the pilot lowered the aircraft's nose to increase speed. The air traffic controller noted the aircraft was not at the specified altitude. The co-pilot then declared that one engine had stopped and issued a MAYDAY call, stating the aircraft could not maintain altitude.
At approximately 8 nautical miles from Suvarnabhumi Airport and an altitude of 1,500 feet, the pilot determined the aircraft could not reach the airport and required an emergency landing. To avoid high-voltage power lines and houses, the pilot turned left, causing the left wing to strike trees along a canal. The aircraft made a forced landing in the canal behind Lam Pha-ong Temple, Lam Phak Chi subdistrict, Nong Chok district, Bangkok, at about 04:05 p.m. The aircraft crashed into the water and struck a wooden bridge.
Injuries and Damage
The pilot sustained fatal injuries. The co-pilot and one passenger suffered serious injuries; another passenger received minor injuries. The aircraft was completely destroyed. The front fuselage collapsed after hitting a bridge pillar, and both wings were severely damaged, with parts torn from the fuselage. Trees along the landing path were cut off, the wooden bridge was damaged, and fuel leaked into the canal.
Aircraft and Personnel Information
The aircraft was a 1976 Piper PA31-350, serial number 31-7652156. At the time of the accident, the pilot was 38 years old, held a Commercial Pilot Licence, and had 734 total flight hours, with 548.35 hours on the PA31-350. The co-pilot was 30 years old, also held a Commercial Pilot Licence, and had 659.30 total flight hours, with 190.30 hours on the type.
Conclusions
The Aircraft Accident Investigation Committee determined that the cause of the accident was that both engines stopped due to fuel starvation as a result of improper fuel management. A contributing factor was that the aircraft had not been refueled for three months and three days prior to the accident flight.