Was bad weather to blame? Investigators dig into what brought down deadly Long Lellang chopper

KOTA KINABALU, Sept 11 — The Air Accident Investigation Bureau has commenced its inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the Flying Doctor Service helicopter accident that occurred in Long Lellang, resulting in the deaths of five individuals, Deputy Transport Minister Datuk Hasbi Habibollah announced. Hasbi stated that the ministry's air accident investigation squad had arrived at the crash site and was actively engaged in determining the cause of the incident.

"We must await the report from the Air Accident Investigation Team; we cannot comment at this juncture," he told reporters following the launch of the National Madani Taxi Renewal Programme in Kota Kinabalu. When asked if adverse weather conditions might have contributed to the crash, Hasbi affirmed that it was premature to speculate on the matter.

"We will await the report; I cannot forecast it as everything hinges on the investigation, including the weather," he added, further noting that the report was anticipated to be finalized in the near future. The BO-105 helicopter, bearing the registration number 9M-LLF and operated by Layang-Layang Aerospace Sdn Bhd, plummeted near the Long Lellang Short Take-Off and Landing airport in Ulu Baram while executing an FDS mission on September 8.

All five crew members, comprising the pilot and medical personnel, perished in the crash. Captain Zainol Afiq Bee Sham, medical officer Dr Ainul Baraah Kamaruddin, assistant medical officer Alexson Adit Henry, and nurses Debra Moset and Jessie Paya Jok were the victims.