The Learjet, used in aerial reconnaissance, spun out of control and banked sharply at 45 metres before crashing into the ground.

"This is the biggest loss for the air force in recent years," Air Force spokesman Captain Monthon Suchakorn said. "The aircraft was taking off when the nose went down, and when it exploded it was shattered into small pieces," he said.

The US-made aircraft was commissioned in 1988.

Air Force chief ACM Chalit Phukphasuk said the cause of the crash was not immediately known.

He said the Air Force would prefer not to deploy older aircraft that needed a lot of maintenance. "We would rather have the money to buy new aircraft. However, there is none available right now, but we are hoping for an improved defence budget from this government," he added.

"The defence budget has been in decline since 1997, when we received Bt20 billion. Last year we had Bt16 billion. We are not sure how much we'll get this year."

The crew members who perished are Squadron Leader Phichet Cha-yachaowalit and Flight Lieutenant Dusit Khaokheo, aerial photographers Flight Lieutenant Songwut Iamjaeng, air warrant officers Yut-thakorn Liamlert and Suthisak Roj-worradilok, flight engineer Warrant Officer Nirut Wang-omklang and navigator Lieutenant Lert Phopan.

The Nation, Agencies