No fatalities

Test Flight Accident Involving New Aircraft for Royal Thai Air Force (72-1309)

Eglin AFB (Valparaiso), United States of AmericaTakeoff (climb)

On May 10, 1972, a Pilatus PC-6 (Porter & Turbo Porter) (registration 72-1309) operated by United States Air Force - USAF (since 1947) was involved in an aviation accident near Eglin AFB (Valparaiso), United States of America during takeoff. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Engine failure during initial climb. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Source recordUpdated 2026-09-03Data APIEditorial standards

A brand-new aircraft intended for the Royal Thai Air Force crashed during a test flight after an engine failure during initial climb, injuring both occupants and destroying the plane.

Incident Overview A brand-new aircraft, scheduled for delivery to the Royal Thai Air Force, was involved in an accident during a series of test flights. The incident occurred shortly after takeoff while the aircraft was in the initial climb phase. ## Accident Sequence According to the official investigation, the engine failed during the initial climb. Following the failure, the aircraft lost altitude and crashed. ## Outcome Both occupants aboard the aircraft were injured in the crash. The aircraft was destroyed as a result of the accident. ## Probable Cause The official findings identified the probable cause as engine failure during the initial climb.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 10 May 1972 Pilatus PC-6 (Porter & Turbo Porter) accident near Eglin AFB (Valparaiso), United States of America?

A brand-new aircraft intended for the Royal Thai Air Force crashed during a test flight after an engine failure during initial climb, injuring both occupants and destroying the plane.

Were there any fatalities in the 10 May 1972 Pilatus PC-6 (Porter & Turbo Porter) accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 10 May 1972 involved a Pilatus PC-6 (Porter & Turbo Porter), registration 72-1309, operated by United States Air Force - USAF (since 1947), at Eglin AFB (Valparaiso), United States of America.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Engine failure during initial climb.