PATTANI: The army's trouble-plagued airship was forced to make an emergency landing in Pattani's Yarang district yesterday morning during its first flight after a 50-million-baht repair project.
The repairs were needed after the blimp crashed in 2012. The airship, operated by the 15th Infantry Division based in Nong Chik district, landed shortly before noon in tambon Yarang, with the crew reporting a fault in the control system.
Villagers said the airship appeared in the morning, then began circling. Two helicopters and a small plane then arrived to help guide it to a safe landing area.
About 50 soldiers sealed off the area. Locals said it appeared fuel containers were being delivered to the two crewmen.
Helicopters remained in the air and escorted the airship back to its base in Nong Chik district about 12.30pm.
The airship crash-landed in Pattani during a mission in 2012. The controversial craft was procured in 2009 under a special procedure when Gen Anupong Paojinda, who is now interior minister, was the army chief.
It was widely criticised for its defects after the expensive purchase.