Preliminary report on Sarawak Flying Doctor helicopter crash due within 30 days, says deputy transport minister

MIRI, September 19 — The Air Accident Investigation Bureau (BSKU) is set to release a preliminary report on the Flying Doctor Service (FDS) helicopter crash that occurred on September 8 within 30 days of the incident, as per Annex 13 of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) guidelines. Deputy Transport Minister Datuk Hasbi Habibollah disclosed that the preliminary report will be submitted to the Cabinet, following the Cabinet's decision on September 9.

Speaking to reporters at a function in Long Lama on Saturday, Hasbi stated that BSKU is currently engaged in a technical investigation, adhering to ICAO Annex 13 and Part XXVI of the Civil Aviation Regulations 2016. Investigators from BSKU have visited the crash site to inspect the wreckage and gather evidence, including operational and maintenance records, crew details, weather conditions, and other pertinent information.

Technical assistance from the aircraft manufacturer in Germany and the engine manufacturer in the United States is also being provided, in line with ICAO protocols. As of now, the cause and contributing factors of the accident remain undetermined. Hasbi emphasized that BSKU will refrain from drawing conclusions until all evidence has been thoroughly examined.

On September 8, a FDS helicopter crashed at the Long Lellang STOLport around 3.40pm, resulting in the loss of all five crew members – Captain Zainol Afiq Bee Sham, Dr Ainul Baraah Kamaruddin, Alexson Adit Henry, Debra Moset, and Jessie Paya Jok.