Miri:The Air Accidents Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has urged the operator of Long Lellang Short Take-Off and Landing Port (STOLport) in Sarawak to reassess its rescue and firefighting arrangements. This comes in the wake of a helicopter crash on September 8 that claimed the lives of five individuals, including four Ministry of Health personnel.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the AAIB's recommendations include ensuring that Malaysia Airports Sdn Bhd (MASB), the aerodrome operator, improves the training and equipment of auxiliary personnel responsible for rescue and firefighting operations across its STOLports. The bureau also emphasized the need for proper maintenance and serviceability of firefighting equipment and personal protective equipment (PPE).
The investigation found that Malaysia Volunteers Corps Department (Rela) personnel, who were tasked with auxiliary rescue and firefighting duties, responded to the crash without adequate firefighting PPE. Some existing PPE showed signs of deterioration, potentially compromising emergency response effectiveness.
The AAIB's preliminary report revealed that efforts to extinguish the fire using 12 dry powder fire extinguishers were unsuccessful, resulting in the fire burning for several hours. All five occupants on board the helicopter, including a 30-year-old Malaysian pilot, suffered fatal burn injuries.
The helicopter, a Messerschmitt-Bolkow-Blohm BO105 S registered as 9M-LLF and operated by Layang-Layang Aerospace Sdn Bhd, was on a Flying Doctor Service flight when it crashed. The aircraft was equipped for various operations, with a maximum take-off mass of approximately 2,500 kilograms.
A video captured the helicopter's final moments, showing it trailing smoke and flames before crashing near Runway 04. Despite normal operations of communication frequencies, no emergency call was recorded. The Malaysian Meteorological Department confirmed good weather conditions and visibility at the time of the incident.
As a precaution, Layang-Layang Aerospace temporarily suspended operations of aircraft with the same engine type until airworthiness was verified, resuming service on September 13 after technical assessments by the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia.
A detailed examination of the wreckage is planned to determine the sequence and development of the fire and damage. The Transport Ministry reiterated that the investigation aims to prevent future accidents, with the preliminary report subject to updates as more evidence becomes available. The ministry expressed its commitment to enhancing aviation safety and acknowledged the collaborative efforts in the ongoing investigation.