Usia BO-105 bukan penentu tunggal keselamatan, kata pakar

Dr. Udara Services personnel and a flight engineer were killed in an incident involving a BO-105 helicopter on September 8th. (Image: Bernama) The age of the helicopter is not the sole determinant of its safety and piloting competency, according to transport safety expert Rosli Khan. He stated that a plane aged 30 to 40 years can remain safe for operation if maintenance, inspections, component replacements, and technical records fulfill all established requirements.

"A 30–40-year-old aircraft can still operate safely if its maintenance, inspections, component replacements, and technical records meet all required standards," he told FMT. Rosli Khan discussed the call by Senator RA Lingeshwaran, which also highlighted the age-related safety of the aircraft, which was around 35 years old, as well as its prior operation under registration in Germany, the United States, and South Africa before being used in Malaysia.

On September 8th, the BO-105 helicopter, traveling from Miri Airport to Long Lellang Airfield, clipped a nearby Short Final Runway, resulting in the deaths of four UDS personnel and one flight engineer. Recently, Layang Aerospace voluntarily placed the BO-105 helicopter and other aircraft equipped with Rolls-Royce 250 engines on standby for safe operation.

CAAM Executive Director Norazman Mahmud said the grounding measure was an independent safety precaution taken by the authorities and not an indication that the accident was caused by engine or technical damage. Until then, an unnamed experienced aviation expert stated that the age of the aircraft should not be used as an excuse, urging political figures not to jump to conclusions.

He emphasized that every aircraft has a lifespan program to ensure it continues to meet safety requirements throughout its operational period. "Aircraft can continue to operate regardless of their exact age because each aircraft has a lifespan program. However, operating an aged aircraft requires more rigorous and comprehensive maintenance," he said.

"Let the Air Crash Investigation Bureau conduct the investigation. Political figures should not interfere as it could make Malaysia's investigative agency appear untrustworthy."