FDS victims' families want full crash report released transparently

In Kuching, families of the victims from the Flying Doctor Service (FDS) helicopter crash in Long Lellang, Ulu Baram, are demanding a full and transparent investigation report. Nor Izzati Syamimi Suhaimi, the wife of Captain Zainol Afiq Bee Sham, expressed the deep impact the tragedy has had on all the families, who are still awaiting a clear explanation about the cause of the crash. She hopes the report will be released openly, without any concealment or political influence.

Muhammad Faiz Abdul Malek, husband of medical officer Dr Ainul Baraah Kamaruddin, informed that investigators have disclosed the findings are still preliminary. He added that the families were told the full investigation report could take one to two years to complete. The investigation team informed them they could reach out if they had any questions, but the confirmed findings are not yet available, as only preliminary findings were shared at that time.

Stephanie Essah Incham, the wife of medical assistant Alexson Adit Henry, declined to comment on the current situation in the investigation, stating she needed some time to rest after completing several matters with the Sarawak Health Department. The preliminary report released by the Air Accident Investigation Bureau on September 8 stated that the ongoing safety investigation found no faults with the helicopter's airframe, maintenance, or pilot.

However, the engines of the helicopter have been sent to the manufacturer for further examination, with the investigation into the powerplant still ongoing. The implications for the airworthiness of other engines of the same type are yet to be determined.