Aircraft collision with control tower at Koh Samui Airport

1 fatality • Koh Samui, Thailand • Landing (descent or approach)

An aircraft crashed into the airport control tower at Koh Samui Airport after veering off the runway during a landing in stormy weather.

What happened

During an arrival from Krabi, the flight crew initiated their approach to Koh Samui Airport amidst challenging meteorological conditions, including heavy winds, turbulence, and stormy weather. As the aircraft touched down on runway 35, it experienced a bounce before making a second contact with the surface. Following this second touchdown, the aircraft drifted left of the runway centerline and exited the paved surface.

The aircraft continued through a grassy area where it eventually struck the concrete structure of the airport's control tower. The impact caused significant destruction to the cockpit area of the aircraft. The accident resulted in one fatality (the captain) and one serious injury (the copilot). Additionally, 26 other people sustained various injuries during the event.

Findings

  • The aircraft encountered marginal weather conditions characterized by storms and turbulence.
  • The sequence of events began with a landing bounce on runway 35.
  • The aircraft deviated from the runway centerline and veered off the side of the runway, leading to the collision with the tower structure.

Probable cause

The aircraft lost directional control on the runway following a landing bounce in stormy weather, leading to a collision with the airport tower.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2009-08-04 ATR72-200 accident near Koh Samui, Thailand?

An aircraft crashed into the airport control tower at Koh Samui Airport after veering off the runway during a landing in stormy weather.

Were there any fatalities in the 2009-08-04 ATR72-200 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 1 fatality.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2009-08-04 involved a ATR72-200, registration HS-PGL, operated by Bangkok Airways, at Koh Samui, Thailand.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft lost directional control on the runway following a landing bounce in stormy weather, leading to a collision with the airport tower.

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