aircraft fire Archives - Aviation Today

Chiang Mai, Thailand: Two Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) pilots were killed Thursday morning when their light attack and reconnaissance aircraft crashed during a training mission in Chiang Mai province, military officials confirmed. The aircraft, a Beechcraft AT-6TH Wolverine, went down at approximately 10:20 a.m. local time in a remote training area of Chom Thong district, about 60 kilometres southwest of Chiang Mai International Airport, according to RTAF spokesperson Air Marshal Chakkrit Thammavichai. The plane was on a combat search-and-rescue (CSAR) training flight when it crashed into a forested hillside near Ban Huai Fang village, officials said. Rescue teams were alerted at 10:48 a.m. and reached the site, which was reported to be largely inaccessible by road, requiring responders to hike through rugged terrain. Upon arrival, emergency personnel found the aircraft engulfed in flames with debris scattered over a roughly 20-metre radius, and a crater reportedly formed at the impact point. The bodies of both pilots remained inside the wreckage when rescuers reached the scene. Authorities have cordoned off the crash site while investigators work to determine the underlying cause of the accident. There have been no reported civilian casualties or damage to nearby property. The RTAF has identified the two pilots as Squadron Leader Samatcha Khunmas, an instructor pilot, and Flight Officer Korawit Jenkit. Both were experienced aviators assigned to Squadron 411, Wing 41, which operates from Chiang Mai Air Base. The air force expressed “deepest condolences” to the families of the fallen pilots and pledged full support during the aftermath of the crash. The AT-6TH Wolverine is a two-seat turboprop light attack and reconnaissance aircraft manufactured by Beechcraft, a subsidiary of Textron Aviation in the United States. Thailand procured the model as part of a fleet modernization initiative, commissioning eight AT-6TH aircraft with Squadron 411, Wing 41 at Chiang Mai Air Base in September 2025. The platform supplements Thailand’s defence capabilities in roles including border surveillance, counter-narcotics operations and close air support, and is considered a key asset in the RTAF’s tactical training syllabus. Air Chief Marshal Seksan Kantha, Commander of the Royal Thai Air Force, has ordered an urgent and comprehensive investigation into the crash, appointing an aircraft accident board to analyse flight data, mechanical components and operational factors. Officials said the inquiry will follow stringent aviation safety standards to identify causal factors and recommend measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Royal Thai Air Force Training Aircraft Crashes In Chiang Mai, Two Pilots Killed

Aviation Today News Desk / January 31, 2026

Chiang Mai, Thailand: Two Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) pilots were killed Thursday morning when their light attack and reconnaissance […]

Mississippi, United States: Two people died Sunday evening when a Piper PA-28-140 small aircraft crashed near the Holly Springs-Marshall County Airport in Marshall County, authorities confirmed, in a tragedy that has shaken local communities and sparked a federal investigation. The Marshall County Sheriff’s Office identified the victims Monday as 29-year-old Wesley Bolden of Marshall County and 17-year-old Jordan Hall of Olive Branch. Both were pronounced dead at the scene after emergency responders found the plane engulfed in flames in a wooded area shortly after 5 p.m. on Jan. 18. According to the sheriff’s office, deputies were dispatched to the crash site east of the airport runway near Greer Road after receiving reports of a downed aircraft. Upon arrival, crews from multiple fire departments worked to extinguish the burning wreckage in dense terrain before confirming the fatalities. Sheriff Kenny Dickerson described the crash zone as heavily wooded, which made access difficult for first responders, and said initial observations suggested the aircraft struck a large tree before impacting the ground. Bolden, a resident of Marshall County, was known locally as a flight instructor operating out of the Holly Springs-Marshall County Airport. Officials have not yet publicly confirmed whether Hall was a student, but authorities believe the pair were on a routine flight when the aircraft went down. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are leading the investigation into the cause of the crash. Federal investigators were expected to arrive on site Monday to begin detailed examination of the wreckage and flight data. Officials have not released specific information about weather conditions or mechanical issues, and it remains unclear whether the aircraft was attempting to land at the time of the accident. Local leaders expressed condolences to the families of the victims. Olive Branch Mayor Ken Adams said the loss of Hall, a young resident with his life ahead of him, “is truly heartbreaking and felt throughout our entire community.”

Aircraft Crashes

Flight Instructor And Teen Killed In Holly Springs, Mississippi Small Plane Crash

Aviation Today News Desk / January 21, 2026

Mississippi, United States: Two people died Sunday evening when a Piper PA-28-140 small aircraft crashed near the Holly Springs-Marshall County

Adelaide, Australia: A trainee pilot from Adelaide Aviation flight school walked away uninjured after the light aircraft he was flying crashed and burst into flames at Parafield Airport in Adelaide’s northern suburbs on Monday afternoon, authorities and eyewitness accounts confirmed. The sole occupant of the aircraft was identified as a 21-year-old student pilot Youngin Kim, who walked away uninjured. The single-engine aircraft reported to be a Cessna 172 experienced a heavy landing during a solo training circuit at about 12:30 pm local time before erupting into flames and sending thick black smoke across the airport grounds. Emergency crews from Parafield Airport and South Australia Police responded within minutes, containing the fire that had also spread to nearby grassland. No other aircraft were involved, and there were no injuries apart from damage to the aircraft. A spokesperson for Adelaide Aviation said the trainee was “very lucky” to walk away unscathed. Sherman Anthoney, representing the flight school based at Parafield Airport, told the media the incident was an extremely rare and sobering reminder of the hazards that can occur even in routine flight training environments. Parafield Airport operators confirmed that runway 21L remained closed temporarily following the incident, but the airport’s remaining runways continued to support general aviation traffic. The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) has been notified and is gathering information about the circumstances of the accident. Official releases from the ATSB are pending, but standard procedure includes reviewing maintenance records, pilot training logs and recorded communications to determine causal factors.

Aircraft Crashes

Student Pilot Survives Fiery Training Aircraft Crash At Parafield Airport In Adelaide

Aviation Today News Desk / January 6, 2026

Adelaide, Australia: A trainee pilot from Adelaide Aviation flight school walked away uninjured after the light aircraft he was flying

Louisville, United States: A UPS wide-body cargo aircraft burst into flames and crashed shortly after takeoff from Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport on Tuesday evening, killing seven people including all three crew members and injuring 11 others on the ground, officials confirmed. The tragedy unfolded around 5:15 p.m. local time (Nov. 4) when UPS Flight 2976, an MD-11 freighter bound for Honolulu, went down shortly after departure. Video captured by local CBS affiliate WLKY showed one of the aircraft’s wings ablaze moments before it plunged to the ground, erupting into a massive fireball. The impact ignited several fires in nearby industrial buildings, sending thick plumes of black smoke into the evening sky. Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg said four people on the ground were killed and 11 others hospitalized, while Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear warned the toll could rise, noting that some survivors sustained “very significant” injuries. Authorities issued a shelter-in-place order for residents within a five-mile radius of the airport as crews battled fires late into the night. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said the aircraft crashed shortly after takeoff and confirmed debris scattered across two runways. Preliminary findings indicate one of the plane’s three engines may have separated midair before impacting a detail that will be central to the investigation. “That airplane should have flown on two engines,” said aviation safety expert John Cox, calling the blaze “too big for a normal engine fire.” The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will lead the investigation and has dispatched a team to the crash site. The board typically takes 12 to 24 months to determine probable cause and issue safety recommendations. FAA records show the 34-year-old MD-11, built by McDonnell Douglas before its merger with Boeing, joined the UPS fleet in 2006. Boeing, which no longer manufactures the model, expressed condolences and said it would provide technical assistance. Flight data from Flightradar24 indicated the jet climbed to 175 feet and reached 184 knots before entering a sharp descent. The aircraft had earlier completed a round trip from Louisville to Baltimore before preparing for its scheduled 8½-hour flight to Honolulu. UPS confirmed all three crew members aboard were killed but said it was still working to verify the extent of ground casualties. In a service alert, UPS said delivery schedules “may be affected” by the closure of the airport, home to the company’s Worldport hub, the largest package-handling facility in the world. “Contingency plans are in place to help ensure shipments reach their destinations as quickly as conditions permit,” the company said. Louisville’s identity is deeply tied to UPS, which employs 26,000 people in the region. “This is a UPS town,” said Metro Council member Betsy Ruhe, whose district includes the airport. “My heart goes out to everybody at UPS. Everyone here knows someone who works there and tonight, some of those texts checking in on loved ones will go unanswered.”

Aircraft Crashes

Probe Underway After UPS Cargo Jet Crashes in Louisville, Killing At Least Seven

Aviation Today News Desk / November 5, 2025

Louisville, United States: A UPS wide-body cargo aircraft burst into flames and crashed shortly after takeoff from Louisville Muhammad Ali

Kenya, Africa: A light aircraft carrying 12 people, including foreign tourists, crashed on Tuesday morning in a hilly, forested area of Kwale County, Kenya, while en route from Diani to the Maasai Mara National Reserve. The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) has confirmed the aircraft had 12 occupants on board. According to a statement released by the KCAA, “The aircraft had 12 persons on board.” The regulator said emergency response teams and investigators from various government agencies have been dispatched to the scene to assess the situation and determine the cause of the crash. “Investigations are underway to establish the circumstances surrounding the accident,” the Authority added. Later Mombasa Air Safari chairman John Cleave confirmed the tragic accident, stating that the aircraft had 11 passengers: eight Hungarians, two Germans along with a Kenyan captain. “Sadly, there are no survivors,” he said in an official statement. Cleave added that the airline had activated its emergency response team and was working closely with local authorities. “Our hearts and prayers are with all those affected by this heartbreaking tragedy,” the statement concluded. The aircraft, believed to be a Cessna Caravan registered 5Y-CCA and operated by Mombasa Air Safari, reportedly went down around 40 kilometers from Diani Airstrip shortly after take-off. Local witnesses described hearing a loud explosion before discovering wreckage engulfed in flames on a remote hillside near the village of Vuga. Photographs from the crash site show burnt remains of the fuselage scattered in dense vegetation. Local police and rescue teams reached the area hours later, with early reports indicating that there were no signs of survivors. Most of the occupants were foreign tourists heading to the Maasai Mara for a safari holiday. KCAA officials said the aircraft was on a scheduled charter flight to Kichwa Tembo Airstrip in the Maasai Mara, a popular tourist destination. Adverse weather and low visibility have been cited by local sources as possible contributing factors, although investigators have yet to confirm the cause. “The government is working closely with KCAA, the Kenya Airports Authority, and local law enforcement to manage the situation,” a Kwale County official said. Authorities are expected to issue a comprehensive statement once recovery operations and identification processes conclude.

Aircraft Crashes

Plane Carrying Tourists To Maasai Mara Crashes In Kenya, At Least 11 Reported Dead

Aviation Today News Desk / October 29, 2025

Kenya, Africa: A light aircraft carrying foreign tourists, crashed on Tuesday in a hilly, forested area of Kwale County, Kenya,

Michigan, United States: Three people were killed when a small aircraft crashed in a field near Bath Township, Michigan, on Thursday evening. The incident occurred around 5 p.m. near the intersection of Clark Road and Peacock Road, roughly 15 miles northeast of Lansing. According to Bath Township Police and Clinton County emergency officials, the aircraft went down shortly after radar contact was lost. Responding units found the wreckage engulfed in flames. All three individuals on board were pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities have not yet released the identities of the victims, pending family notifications. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are leading the investigation to determine the cause of the crash. A press conference scheduled for Thursday night was cancelled unexpectedly, reportedly at the direction of the FAA. “We were told by the FAA that the press briefing would not proceed at this time,” a Bath Township official told local station WILX News 10. No reason was given for the cancellation. Reports from CBS News Detroit indicate that the crash site remains under federal control while investigators examine debris patterns and flight data. Preliminary findings have not yet been released. According to trackers AirNav Radar and Flight Radar 24, the plane is believed to have been a Mexican-registered Hawker 800XP (XA-JMR), departing from Battle Creek before losing altitude and crashing. However, this detail has not been verified by U.S. authorities. Residents in the area reported hearing a loud explosion and seeing black smoke billow from the site moments after the crash. “It looked like something out of a movie, just fire and smoke,” one witness told local reporters. The FAA confirmed it is assisting with recovery operations and will issue a preliminary accident report within the coming days. The NTSB is expected to release an initial summary once investigators confirm aircraft type and flight path data.

Aircraft Crashes

Three Killed As Small Plane Crashes And Bursts Into Flames Near Bath Township

Aviation Today News Desk / October 17, 2025

Michigan, United States: Three people were killed when a small aircraft crashed in a field near Bath Township, Michigan, on

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Aircraft Crashes

Three Killed As Light Aircraft Crashes And Catches Fire After Take-Off At Shellharbour

Aviation Today News Desk / October 11, 2025

Sydney, Australia: A light aircraft crashed shortly after take-off at Shellharbour Airport on Saturday morning, killing all three people on

Helicopter Crash

Lakeville Helicopter Crash Kills Two, Bursts Into Flames, FAA & NTSB Investigating

Aviation Today News Desk / September 8, 2025

Minnesota, United States: In a tragic aviation accident Saturday afternoon, a Robinson R66 helicopter crashed and ignited near Lakeville roughly

Colorado, United States: Two people tragically lost their lives early Friday morning when a small plane crashed just southeast of Centennial Airport in Colorado. The aircraft involved was a Beechcraft BE35, which went down around 6:20–6:25 a.m. in a business park near 8636 South Peoria Street, according to South Metro Fire Rescue (SMFR) and the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office. The first reports described an explosion, and by the time emergency responders arrived, the plane was engulfed in flames near a bank of diesel-powered generators that were also at risk of igniting. SMFR spokesperson Brian Willie confirmed firefighters were able to douse the fire before it spread to nearby buildings or equipment. Thankfully, no one on the ground was injured. The Douglas County Coroner’s Office will identify the victims once families have been notified. Air traffic control recordings captured by LiveATC.net shed light on the final moments before the crash. The pilot was cleared for takeoff and informed to line up on runway 17R for touch-and-goes. Soon after, another pilot in the area radioed, “Tower, there’s smoke off the left side looks like he went down.”Seconds later, someone added: “Appears he crashed in a parking lot about a mile southeast of the field.” ATC immediately alerted emergency crews. The FAA and NTSB have launched an investigation, with the NTSB taking the lead. Authorities are asking anyone who witnessed the event or who might have video footage from nearby businesses to email eyewitness@ntsb.gov. Operations at Centennial Airport were not disrupted, as the crash occurred off airport property. This marks the second fatal aviation accident in the Denver metropolitan area in under a week. Earlier, a midair collision near Fort Morgan killed one person and injured three others

Aircraft Crashes

Two Killed After Small Plane Crashes Near Centennial Airport in Douglas County

Aviation Today News Desk / September 6, 2025

Colorado, United States: Two people tragically lost their lives early Friday morning when a small plane crashed just southeast of

Kuantan, Malaysia: A Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) F/A-18D Hornet fighter jet caught fire during take-off at Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah Airport on Thursday night, prompting both pilots to eject seconds before the aircraft crashed. The incident, which occurred around 9:05 pm, temporarily shut down the airport’s runway and disrupted several commercial flights. The RMAF confirmed in a statement that the twin-seat Hornet suffered a fire during its take-off roll at Kuantan Air Base. “Both pilots successfully ejected and were immediately transported to Tengku Ampuan Afzan Hospital for medical observation,” the Air Force said. Witnesses described the terrifying moment as the aircraft burst into flames, sending smoke billowing into the night sky. One resident said that two loud explosions “sounded like missile strikes” and could be heard nearly a kilometre away. A video of the incident, widely circulated on social media, shows the Hornet engulfed in flames as it attempted to lift off the runway before both crew members ejected. The Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) declared a temporary “Code Black” runway closure following the accident. In a statement CAAM said the runway would remain shut until 1 pm on Friday, August 22, to facilitate debris clearance and safety checks. The closure affected several scheduled services, including Malaysia Airlines flights MH1268 and MH1269, and Scoot flights TR0470 and TR0471. Passengers were advised to check with their airlines for rebooking arrangements. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim extended his well-wishes to the pilots and urged a comprehensive investigation into the cause of the fire. “This incident must be studied thoroughly to ensure the safety of our airmen and the reliability of our defence assets,” Anwar said, as quoted by Malay Mail. The RMAF has launched a formal probe into the accident. No casualties were reported on the ground, and authorities confirmed that the fire was contained within the air base perimeter. The Boeing F/A-18D Hornet is one of the RMAF’s frontline multirole fighters, acquired in the 1990s. The aircraft has seen extensive service, including participation in regional exercises and maritime patrols. The fleet is currently undergoing phased upgrades as part of Malaysia’s defence modernisation plan. While the immediate priority remains the health of the two aircrew, the investigation will focus on determining whether a mechanical failure, engine malfunction, or other technical issues caused the fire. The findings are expected to inform future operational safety measures for the RMAF’s combat fleet. In a separate incident a month ago, five police officers were injured when their AS355N helicopter crashed into the Pulai River during a nuclear security exercise in Johor. Two officers remain in critical condition and are receiving respiratory support in the Intensive Care Unit at Sultanah Aminah Hospital. The remaining three officers are stable. The Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) confirmed the crash occurred near the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) Jetty in Gelang Patah.

Military Aviation

Malaysian Air Force Hornet Catches Fire During Take-Off, Both Pilots Survive

Aviation Today News Desk / August 22, 2025

Kuantan, Malaysia: A Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) F/A-18D Hornet fighter jet caught fire during take-off at Sultan Haji Ahmad

aircraft fire

Royal Thai Air Force Training Aircraft Crashes In Chiang Mai, Two Pilots Killed

Flight Instructor And Teen Killed In Holly Springs, Mississippi Small Plane Crash

Student Pilot Survives Fiery Training Aircraft Crash At Parafield Airport In Adelaide

Probe Underway After UPS Cargo Jet Crashes in Louisville, Killing At Least Seven

Plane Carrying Tourists To Maasai Mara Crashes In Kenya, At Least 11 Reported Dead

Three Killed As Small Plane Crashes And Bursts Into Flames Near Bath Township

Three Killed As Light Aircraft Crashes And Catches Fire After Take-Off At Shellharbour

Lakeville Helicopter Crash Kills Two, Bursts Into Flames, FAA & NTSB Investigating

Two Killed After Small Plane Crashes Near Centennial Airport in Douglas County

Malaysian Air Force Hornet Catches Fire During Take-Off, Both Pilots Survive

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