Police helicopters flew over the wreckage of a plane that crashed into the sea, killing five on board, just yards from a luxury hotel along the coast of Thailand this morning.

Footage captured the Viking DHC-6 Twin Otter plunging into the water in Hua Hin, around 125 miles south of the capital, Bangkok.

Horrified guests at the Baby Grand Hua Hin Hotel watched as the aircraft slammed into the beach shortly after 8 am local time.

Isara Supasa said she heard the plane's engine and saw it nose dive into the shallow water.

She added: 'I was shocked and ran onto the beach. There was no sign of life coming from the plane.'

Several locals, along with passing fishermen, rushed over to the wreckage. Five people were pulled from the water by divers, but they were pronounced dead at the scene.

A sixth person was reportedly seriously injured and remained missing this morning.

The registration of the plane, N964VK, indicates it was operated by the Royal Thai Police. Police and aviation chiefs were at the scene investigating the cause of the plane crash.

Officials said that the crash happened during a test flight for parachute practice.

The two pilots killed were identified as Police Colonel Prathan Khiaokham and Police Lieutenant Colonel Panthep Maniwachirangkul.

Another pilot, Police Captain Jaturong Watthanaphaisan, sustained severe injuries and was taken to Hua Hin Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.

An engineer, Police Lieutenant Tanawat Mekprasertsuk, and a mechanic, Police Lance Corporal Jirawat Maksakha, were also killed in the incident.

Another mechanic, Police Sergeant Major Prawat Phonhongsa, was injured. Paramedics reported that the injured victim regained circulation and is currently undergoing a CT scan in preparation for the implantation of an Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator.

A police spokesman said that the injured officer still has vital signs and confirmed the death toll at five.

National Police Chief Police General Kitrat Phanphet said: 'The families of the victims will be closely supported and funeral arrangements will be made for them.

'I have ordered a detailed investigation into the cause of the crash.'