Helicopter operator grounds fleet following Sarawak crash

On Tuesday, a Flying Doctor Service Bo-105 helicopter crashed near the Long Lellang STOLport in Sarawak, resulting in the death of all five individuals on board. The helicopter had a valid Certificate of Airworthiness until August 4, 2026, and a Certificate of Registration valid until July 28, 2029, according to the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) CEO, Datuk Captain Norazman Mahmud.

Operator Layang Layang Aerospace has grounded its entire Bo-105 fleet, along with other aircraft equipped with Rolls-Royce engines, following the incident. However, Norazman emphasized that this grounding should not be interpreted as evidence that the engine or any specific component caused the crash. He stated that CAAM is closely monitoring the operator's grounding and inspection program while verifying the regulatory records of both the operator and the pilot involved.

Norazman also clarified that the aircraft's age alone should not be considered an indication of an airworthiness issue. He emphasized that from an airworthiness perspective, age alone is not a determining factor, as long as the aircraft is properly maintained in accordance with its approved maintenance program and continues to meet all applicable airworthiness requirements.

The Air Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), under the Transport Ministry, is currently conducting the investigation into the accident. Any findings regarding the cause of the incident will only be released by the AAIB following a thorough examination of the available evidence.