Wind shear could have been a factor in the crash of a Bangkok Airways ATR72-500 at Koh Samui's airport.

Thai prime minister Abhisit Vejjajiva reportedly told Thai media yesterday that "sudden wind shear" may have caused the accident. Reports suggest he learned this from Thailand's transport minister.

On 4 August a Bangkok Airways ATR 72-500, local registration HS-PGL and local manufacturer's serial number 670, crashed into a disused concrete control tower at the airport after landing in rain.

The captain died and four others on board had serious injuries and two had minor injuries, says the airline, adding that there were 68 passengers, two pilots and two cabin crew on board.

Source: Air Transport Intelligence news