KUCHING: Police are looking into all angles in their investigation into the Flying Doctor Service helicopter crash in Long Lellang, including its final refuelling stop, says Sarawak police commissioner Comm Datuk Mohamad Zainal Abdullah.
He said police were still in the process of recording statements, with 19 witnesses called so far.
"This includes where the helicopter refuelled. We need to investigate this as well because we want to look at every angle and this was the helicopter's final destination before flying (to Long Lellang).
"I can't make any assumptions, but based on our usual procedures, we will investigate the helicopter's flight from Miri to Ba Lai, Long Siut and on to Long Lellang," he told reporters at a media dinner here on Sunday (Sept 13).
The helicopter, which was carrying out a health mission, crashed near the Long Lellang STOLport on Tuesday, killing all five people on board.
Comm Mohamad Zainal said so far there were no indications of any elements apart from an accident.
However, he said the police investigation would be comprehensive.
"Although we are investigating it as sudden death, we have to take into account every factor," he said.
He added that police were ready to assist the Air Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), which is investigating the cause of the crash.
Asked when the investigation would be completed, Comm Mohamad Zainal said it depended on how many more statements needed to be recorded and locations to be revisited.
"We will try to complete it as quickly as possible," he said, urging the public not to speculate on the crash.
