The accident happened at about 4pm on the Muang Mai ‒ Pa Klok Road, directly in front of Phuket Airpark.
Initial reports confirmed that instructor Surasak ‘Khun O’ Chana, about 40, and his student, Russian national Sergei Razukov, 36, were both injured and taken to Thalang Hospital. Surasak suffered a broken ankle and a head injury, while Mr Razukov also sustained a head injury. Both men were reported to be conscious when rescued.
However, in a statement posted online today, Flying Phuket, the official Facebook page of the Phuket Flying Club, which operates out of Phuket Airpark, confirmed that Mr Surasak later succumbed to his injuries.
“Regarding yesterday’s incident, our team would like to express our deepest condolences for the passing of Khun O, our airport manager and flight instructor, and wish him peace,” the group said.
“The cause of the accident is still under investigation, so we cannot provide further details. The flight instructor he was training at the time of the accident is safe,” the statement added.
The club said funeral arrangements will be announced once confirmed and thanked the community for the outpouring of support.
Mr Surasak, affectionately known as ‘Khun O’, was well known among Phuket’s flying community, with many tributes shared online since news of his passing.
“It’s very sad to read about this. Please receive my sincere condolences. He was such a great guy,” wrote one friend.
“Oh no, so sad to hear this terrible news! Blue skies to our dear friend Oh, my sincerest condolences to family, friends and Amy,” posted another.
Thalang Police confirmed that the ultralight took off from Phuket Airpark at about 2pm and crashed two hours later. The aircraft has been impounded for inspection, while witnesses are being questioned as part of the investigation.
Readers have since pointed out that the aircraft involved was an ultralight, not a paramotor as initially reported. While both fall under the category of light aviation, ultralights are fixed-wing aircraft subject to specific regulatory limits, whereas paramotors use a paraglider wing with a backpack-mounted engine.
Pol Col Nikorn Chuthong, Superintendent of Thalang Police, said relevant agencies have been notified to investigate the cause of the crash.