Bangkok – Chiang Mai

On March 3, 2001 at 02:48 PM, Bangkok – Chiang Mai experienced a crash involving Boeing 737-400, operated by Thai Airways International, with the event recorded near Bangkok-Don Mueang Bangkok City District.

The flight was categorized as scheduled revenue flight and the reported phase was parking at a airport (less than 10 km from airport) crash site.

8 people were known to be on board, 1 fatalities were recorded, 7 survivors were identified or estimated. This corresponds to an estimated fatality rate of 12.5%.

Crew on board: 8, crew fatalities: 1, passengers on board: 0, passenger fatalities: 0, other fatalities: 0.

The listed crash cause is technical failure. While parked at gate 62 at Bangkok-Don Mueang Airport, the aircraft suffered an explosion and caught fire. On board were eight crew members awaiting 148 passengers to embark, among them Thaksin Shinawatra, Thai Prime Minister. Seven crew members were able to evacuate the cabin while the eighth crew member died. The aircraft was completely destroyed by fire. It was reported that the first explosion occurred in the center fuel tank, about 27 minutes prior to the expected takeoff time, followed by a second explosion in the right wing tank 18 minutes later.

Aircraft reference details include registration HS-TDC, MSN 25321, year of manufacture 1991.