Probe underway for aerial incident in Thai NE

UDON THANI, THAILAND, February 16 (TNA) - An official investigation is underway on the cause of an aerial incident in which a pilot was ejected from an Alpha Jet during a training flight in Thailand's northeastern Loei Province on February 15. Royal Thai Air Force Spokesman Air Vice Marshal Pongsak Semachai told journalists on Thursday that the investigative team had arrived at Wing 23 of Udon Thani Province in the Thai Northeast to probe the cause of Wednesday's incident. The spokesman said a medical team had also been sent from the Royal Thai Air Force to examine the condition of the second pilot, Squadron Leader Sukhothai Somsrisai, who was ejected from the military aircraft and has been hospitalised to see whether he could be moved to Bhumibol Hospital in Bangkok for further treatment. The spokesman quoted Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal Chom Rungsawang as saying that he has ordered the investigative panel to thoroughly look into the cause of the incident and has instructed parties concerned to take best care of the injured pilot. Meanwhile, Commander of Wing 23 Captain Nitat Yuprapart confirmed that the injured pilot, who is an air force trainer, is now safe and recovering from an operation for his broken shoulder blades and eye socket. The commander also extended his gratitude, on the behalf of his Wing 23 and the Royal Thai Air Force, to local villagers and police who helped save the life of the injured pilot, stressing that all pilots of his Wing 23 are in good spirits and ready to observe duty to the best of their abilities. After the incident, the first pilot could control the aircraft to return to his base in Udon Thani safely. (TNA)