Senator urges govt to replace ageing helicopters, temporarily ground BO-105s after Sarawak crash

The government must reassess the use of outdated helicopters and secure newer, more appropriate aircraft from contractors, stated Senator Dr RA Lingeshwaran following the fatal Flying Doctor Service (FDS) crash in Sarawak. He further demanded all BO-105 helicopters be grounded temporarily until the investigation determines the cause of the crash.

"Human lives cannot be equated to contract costs or profit margins. Preventative measures must be taken without delay," he emphasized in a Facebook post. Lingeshwaran noted that while the FDS is operated by a private entity under government contract, the federal government remains accountable for ensuring contractors utilize aircraft adhering to the highest safety and aviation standards.

He disclosed that the helicopter in question, registered as 9M-LLF, was manufactured in Germany around 1991, approximately 35 years old, with previous registrations in Germany, the US, and South Africa before entering Malaysian service. Describing the aircraft as refurbished or used, he pointed out that BO-105 production ceased in 2001.

Lingeshwaran asserted that the government should take full responsibility and impose strict action against the operator should investigators determine the aircraft’s age, maintenance history, or condition contributed to the crash. He also expressed his sympathy to the families and coworkers of the four Health Ministry staff and pilot who lost their lives in the incident.

The BO-105 helicopter crashed near the Long Lellang STOLport in Baram the previous day while executing an FDS mission, with the Air Accident Investigation Bureau under the Transport Ministry conducting the inquiry.