Preliminary report on Sarawak Flying Doctor helicopter crash due within 30 days, says deputy transport minister

MIRI, Sept 19 — The Air Accident Investigation Bureau (BSKU) will issue a preliminary report on the Flying Doctor Service (FDS) helicopter crash on September 8 within 30 days of the accident, in accordance with Annex 13 of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) on Aircraft Accident and Incident Investigation.

Deputy Minister for Transport Datuk Hasbi Habibollah said the preliminary report would subsequently be presented to the Cabinet, in line with the Cabinet’s decision on September 9.

“BSKU will issue a preliminary report within 30 days from the date of the accident, in accordance with ICAO Annex 13,” he told reporters when met at a function in Long Lama on Saturday (September 19).

Hasbi added that the BSKU was currently conducting a technical investigation in accordance with ICAO Annex 13 and Part XXVI of the Civil Aviation Regulations 2016.

He said BSKU investigators had gone to the crash site to examine the site and aircraft wreckage, as well as collect and preserve evidence.

“The investigation covers examination of the crash site and aircraft wreckage, the collection and preservation of evidence, a review of operational and maintenance records, crew information, weather conditions and other relevant evidence,” he said.

He said the investigation was also receiving technical cooperation and support from the aircraft manufacturer in Germany and the engine manufacturer in the United States, in accordance with ICAO Annex 13.

He stressed that the cause of the accident and any contributing factors had yet to be determined.

“At this stage, the cause and contributing factors of the accident have yet to be determined.

“The investigation is ongoing and BSKU will not draw any conclusions until all the evidence has been examined,” he said.

On September 8, a Flying Doctor Service (FDS) helicopter crashed at the Long Lellang STOLport at around 3.40pm, killing all five crew members on board.

The victims were identified as pilot Captain Zainol Afiq Bee Sham, 30; medical officer Dr Ainul Baraah Kamaruddin, 33; assistant medical officer Alexson Adit Henry, 31; as well as staff nurses Debra Moset, 40, and Jessie Paya Jok, 44. — The Borneo Post