MD80 plane crash in Phuket, Sep. 07

[InvestigateUdom]

NTSB letter

Our letter to the NTSB is now posted.
As usual: www.InvestigateUdom.com "Press Information link"

Thank you.

[InvestigateUdom]

Phuket runway strip

According to ICAO, a runway must be contained within a runway strip that is flat, firm and free of non-frangible obstructions. The runway strips must extend a minimum of 150m either side of the runway centreline and at least 60m beyond the end of the runway end (including any stopway).

I wonder if the embankment really is 150m from the centerline of 27. Does anyone know?

[afvap]

a single photo on google earth shows that the embankment is inside the 150 meters

[InvestigateUdom]

We saw the same. Google earth is not always accurate (particularly if you aren't using the paid version). Any other thoughts on how to determine this? I don't suppose someone can run out there and measure? ;-)

Also, does anyone have a sense on whether this is a standard which is truly met at "category 1" airports?

[SPA83]

[InvestigateUdom]

Is someone able to label that image with the location of impact and/or where the aircraft came to a rest?

Any ideas on how to verify the distance from center line?

[LordLucan]

Here's a Google Earth picture of the runway. Maybe someone can mark this with the crash site:

[InvestigateUdom]

I've more faith in Google's accuracy with horizontal rendering after reading on Google Earth's errors and algorithms. Just to be sure, I've posted the question directly to the folks at Google too.

If the "non-frangible" obstructions are within 150 m (as Google Earth suggests), Phuket airport runways 9 and 27:

1) Do not meet required ICAO standards
2) Played a significant part in the crash of OG269

Everyone: Thanks for all your help with the images and for helping us see this through.

(On a previous sub-topic: I'm rather pleased with the letter to the NTSB.)

[InvestigateUdom]

PJ2: Would you be kind enough to add the 150m lines to both of your photos?

Thank you.

[PJ2]

Parallel to the runway, along it's full length? Just wondering about accuracy, esp in the oblique view, (which isn't google). However, the runway width is 45m...

From the publicly-available photos, the first ground contact is on the other side of the large concrete drainage ditch from the runway, and the resting crash site straddles the ditch which runs parallel to and north of runway 27.

[InvestigateUdom]

Didn't realize. (Graphics are not my strength.)

I'd like to end up with something marking the approximate crash location and the precise Google 150m line. The additional artwork and images are inessential, yet much appreciated.

[InvestigateUdom]

My graphics work is lousy. I can't publish it. Looks like the runway strip to the right of 27 is clear of obstruction by less than 90m. The total runway clearance width isn't even 300m.

If someone can help with markers on the graphic, I'm very grateful.

(Since HKT has unusually high minimum visibility and increased minimum decision height, might this affect the ICAO standard on the airport? I couldn't find anything.)

[InvestigateUdom]

Excellent. thank you.

[InvestigateUdom]

image & Grandmax

The image is now posted. Thank you!

We've also learned the name of at least one owner of Grandmax Group, Lt, the owner of the aircraft. That's posted too.

[LordLucan]

In the Youtube video ( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ewAQdvdDno ) of the crash scene, you can clearly see a "4" marker next to the runway at time index 0:40. This may help to pin-point the precise location of the crash:

[kristofera]

150m...

Take a look at SAN - not 150m from the runway to nearby obstructions. I'd say it is not more than 50-60m from the runway centerline to Guatanamo St, Pacific Fwy etc...

[SPA83]

ICAO played also a significant part in the crash of OG269. They strangely give an 8/10 to DCA in the surveillance obligations (2005 safety audit)
AuditReports1-CSA

So

[afvap]

does anybody have information about the last 6 bodies found under the weackrage on 09-17-07?
Why did it take so a long time to find them?

[afvap]

1)does someone know the legal flight hours for a pilot in thailand?

2)does someone know rescuers of og269?

[ZFT]

QI Yes.
Q2 No.