Flying Doctor Service helicopter carrying five crashes near Long Lellang airport

On this day, a BO-105 helicopter crashed near Long Lellang STOLport in Sarawak. The aircraft is a twin-engine, light helicopter originally designed by Bölkow, a German company, and has seen extensive use in both civilian and military capacities. It first took to the skies in 1967, with its first commercial service beginning in 1970.

The manufacturer later merged with Messerschmitt-Bölkow-Blohm (MBB). The BO-105 is a versatile aircraft, deployed for tasks such as medical evacuation, air rescue, police operations, military missions, and civilian transport. Its distinctive feature is the rigid, hingeless main rotor system, which enhances its maneuverability. The rotor blades were among the first to utilize glass-fiber reinforced plastic extensively.

With a rotor diameter of approximately 9.84m and a maximum take-off weight of around 2.3 tonnes, the BO-105 C variant can accommodate one pilot and four passengers, cruising at speeds of about 230kph, covering distances of up to 575km, and operating at altitudes of up to 5,000m. It is powered by two Allison 250-C20 turboshaft engines, each generating approximately 290kW.

Known for its roles in emergency medical services, the BO-105 was first used by Germany's ADAC air rescue service in 1970 and became synonymous with air rescue operations. Over 1,400 units were manufactured, making it one of Germany's most successful helicopter designs. Production ceased in 2001, yet the aircraft remains in operation worldwide in various roles.

The specific BO-105 involved in today's crash was registered as 9M-LLF and was conducting a Flying Doctor Service flight with five individuals on board, including the pilot.