BTH: Sarawak helicopter crash, the investigation & the safety questions [WATCH]
KUALA LUMPUR: The Sept 8 helicopter crash in Sarawak claimed the lives of five people serving under the Health Ministry’s Flying Doctor Service — a veteran pilot and four healthcare workers.
![BTH: Sarawak helicopter crash, the investigation & the safety questions [WATCH]](/img/8146217)
On September 8, a helicopter crash in Sarawak resulted in the deaths of five individuals from the Health Ministry's Flying Doctor Service, comprising a veteran pilot and four healthcare workers. This incident has sparked concerns regarding helicopter safety, the condition of the aircraft, operating conditions in Sarawak's challenging terrain, and the viability of medical services in reaching remote areas.
Aviation safety expert Associate Professor Major Dr Muhammad Harun Muhammad Sufian explained that the age of a helicopter is not a definitive indicator of its safety, as factors like flying hours, maintenance history, component condition, flight profile, and predictive maintenance also play crucial roles. The investigation into the crash will adhere to ICAO Annex 13 principles and is anticipated to involve an examination of the wreckage, components, maintenance records, and operational history.
A preliminary report is expected approximately 30 days post-accident, while the comprehensive report is projected to be released within a year.
The discussion further highlighted the unique challenges of flying in Sarawak's remote and mountainous terrain, encompassing weather conditions, turbulence, peaks, and valleys. Pilots must evaluate weather and decide whether to fly under these circumstances. Meanwhile, the Health Ministry has temporarily suspended the Flying Doctor Service in Sarawak pending the completion of the investigation.
Written by urgent.news from New Straits Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
