According to Thai News Agency, Air Chief Marshal Praphas Sornchaidee, the Air Force spokesman, disclosed that the cracks were initially identified on June 19, 2015, following a routine inspection flight. The damage was located in the Lower Bulkhead of the Main Landing Gear Tension Strut Lug of the right landing gear assembly. This issue was detected during standard maintenance using the Non-Destructive Inspection (NDI) method, an international standard, and was subsequently verified by a representative from Lockheed Martin, the aircraft’s manufacturer based in the United States.

Lockheed Martin issued a Field Service Report indicating it could not authorize a One Time Flight to ensure maximum safety. In response, the Air Force convened a meeting with relevant agencies to strategize on moving the aircraft from Squadron 106 at U-Tapao Airport to the main maintenance unit at Nakhon Sawan Air Force Base, adhering strictly to safety protocols.

The transport of the disassembled F-16 was facilitated by a C-130H aircraft, ensuring the aircraft was resized appropriately for safe transit to the maintenance facility. Repair operations will leverage the expertise of Air Force personnel in collaboration with Thai Aviation Industries Co., Ltd. (TAI), a strategic partner, to conduct repairs under international standards and rigorous quality control.

The RTAF has reiterated that the incident poses no threat to flight safety and highlights the diligent and transparent maintenance processes in place. The discovery underscores the Royal Thai Air Force’s commitment to standard maintenance practices and showcases the engineering proficiency of its personnel, in cooperation with TAI, to guarantee the highest safety standards for pilots and personnel, thereby fostering public confidence in the capabilities of the Royal Thai Air Force.