Army grounds Agusta A109 LOH helicopters after crash

PADANG BESAR: The army has temporarily grounded its Agusta A109 LOH helicopters pending the investigation into Friday’s (June 28) helicopter crash.

Chief of Army Gen Tan Sri Muhammad Hafizuddeain Jantan said the army would not risk the safety of any personnel before knowing the factors behind the crash.

"Aircraft operations for Agusta A109 LOH in the peninsula and Sabah will be halted temporarily pending investigation. The aircraft are used for training and operations.

"For your information, the aircraft are an estimated 19 years old. We ensure every helicopter is in its best condition before conducting training or operations," he told reporters after the parade celebrating the 66th anniversary of the Territorial Army’s 504th Regiment at Bukit Keteri Camp on Thursday (June 27). The event was officiated by Perlis Regent Tuanku Syed Faizuddin Putra Jamalullail.

Before the crash, the helicopter was checked to ensure it was safe, and continuous physical and technical maintenance had been done, Muhammad Hafizuddeain said.

The army's Agusta A109 LOH helicopter, with three crew members on board, made an emergency landing at 1.35am yesterday during a night flight training session at Mahkota Kluang Camp in Johor. All crew members suffered injuries.

Muhammad Hafizuddeain also shared that the army would continue searching for Pvt Muhammad Syafiq Hilmi Abd Halim, who went missing during Op Ukur with the Sarawak Land and Survey Department on June 18.

"This is the 11th day of the army’s search and rescue operation. We have found several leads to his whereabouts in the general area but we have yet to find him.

"We will carry on with our search operation and I urge all Malaysians to pray that he will be found," he said. — Bernama