Cops look for ‘unusual occurrences’ along flying doctor flight path

KUCHING: Police are widening their inquiry into the crash of a Flying Doctor Service helicopter in Baram, seeking out any anomalous events at the refueling stop and several points the aircraft traversed prior to the disaster. Sarawak police commissioner Zainal Abdullah disclosed that, as of now, there were no signs suggesting the incident was anything other than an accident.

The pilot and four medical personnel perished when a BO-105 aircraft utilized for the flying doctor service plummeted near the Long Lellang airfield on Tuesday. Zainal stated that testimonies were gathered from 19 witnesses; additional accounts might be sought if required. The investigative team would also revisit the pertinent sites to glean a more comprehensive understanding, he informed reporters.

He elaborated that the probe encompassed the entire flight sequence, from the aircraft's departure from Miri to its ultimate destination, encompassing flight logs and the likelihood of emergency communications. The technical inquiry had been delegated to the Air Accident Investigation Bureau. Among those who lost their lives in the crash were Captain Zainol Afiq Bee Sham, 30, the pilot; Dr Ainul Baraah Kamaruddin, 33, a medical officer; Alexson Adit Henry, 31, a medical assistant; and nurses Debra Moset, 40, and Jessie Paya Jok, 44.