PETALING JAYA: The helicopter in the fatal crash carrying Health Ministry personnel on the Flying Doctor Service (FDS) was determined to be airworthy at the time of dispatch, says an early report of the incident.
There were also generally favourable weather conditions where the aircraft had crashed, namely in the vicinity of the Long Lellang STOLport in Sarawak, during the period relevant to the accident.
Such details were among the findings in the preliminary report on the aircraft incident by the Air Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), under the Transport Ministry.
“The pilot was properly licensed and qualified to conduct the flight and held a valid medical certificate.
“The helicopter held valid Certificates of Registration and Airworthiness and was determined to be airworthy at the time of dispatch,” read the report released on Friday (Oct 16).
On the causes or contributing factors of the accident, the report said the safety investigation was ongoing, and the factual data established remained at a preliminary stage.
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“Continuous fact-finding regarding flight operations, standard operating practices, and helicopter maintenance history will provide the necessary evidence to validate system defences and evaluate any latent conditions.
“A comprehensive analysis of these facts, along with the finalised findings, causes, and contributing factors will be detailed in the final report,” it said.
The crash on Sept 8 claimed the lives of five people, including a pilot and four Health Ministry personnel who were on FDS duty.
The report also said a ground-based video recording showed a visible smoke trail and apparent flames in the vicinity of the area aft of the main gearbox during the final portion of the flight.
But the source and significance of the smoke and flames remain under investigation.
In the incident, the helicopter departed Miri and subsequently landed at Ba’Lai.
Following a period on the ground, the helicopter departed Ba’Lai and landed at Selungo, where it was subsequently refuelled.
“No abnormal occurrence during these sectors has been identified from the information currently available to the investigation,” the report said.
The helicopter then departed Selungo for Long Lellang STOLport.
