Bangkok: The national police chief has mandated an expedited examination of the black box from the recent police plane crash. In a statement made after the funeral rites for the six police officers who perished in the crash, the chief emphasized the importance of this investigation and outlined the steps being taken to ensure justice and transparency.
According to Thai News Agency, Pol. Gen. Kittirat Phanphet, the national police chief, expressed gratitude for the royal grace shown by His Majesty, which included placing wreaths at the coffins of the deceased officers. The chief personally oversaw the funeral ceremony and assured the public that the officers' welfare needs were being addressed. Following these rites, he announced plans to visit the crash site in Hua Hin District, Prachuap Khiri Khan Province, with a focus on recovering the plane wreckage and crucial evidence like the black box.
The investigation aims to clarify the events leading up to the crash. The black box, which records detailed flight information and cockpit conversations, has been sent to the aircraft's original manufacturing company overseas for analysis. The findings will be crucial in understanding the cause of the crash. The national police inspector has been instructed to thoroughly review evidence related to the flight, both before and after takeoff, to ensure a comprehensive investigation.
The ill-fated flight, which had received clearance from the commander, included six engineers and pilots on board. It was scheduled for a routine inspection, both on the ground and in the air. The aircraft was reportedly not on any repair list and had undergone regular inspections, unlike two other planes in the fleet that were under maintenance.
Regarding the potential acquisition of new aircraft, the police chief stated that no decisions had been made. Despite the crash, the aircraft was relatively new, having been commissioned in 2021, and had not experienced heavy usage. The high cost of purchasing new planes requires careful consideration.