Sarawak helicopter crash: Pilot medically fit, aircraft was airworthy, weather conditions good
KUALA LUMPUR: The pilot of the Bo-105 helicopter which crashed and killed five people in Long Lellang on Sept 8, was medically fit and properly licensed, while the aircraft was deemed airworthy.
On September 8, a Bo-105 helicopter crash in Long Lellang resulted in the deaths of five individuals. The Air Accidents Investigation Bureau (AAIB) released a preliminary report stating that the pilot, Captain Zainol Afiq Bee Sham, was medically fit and properly licensed. Zainol had 1,825.5 flight hours, including 915 hours on the Bo-105 type, and his license was valid until January 31, 2027.
He had undergone a medical examination on January 26, with his certificate valid until the same date. The helicopter, registered as 9M-LLF and serial number S-867, was airworthy with a valid Certificate of Airworthiness until August 4, 2027. Good weather conditions were reported, with no recorded distress calls and all communication frequencies operating normally.
The AAIB found no abnormal events during the flight, though further verification of the helicopter's operational and technical status during the first sector was required. A 37-second video captured by a ground observer showed the helicopter with visible smoke and flames, but not the point of impact. The helicopter was substantially destroyed by fire, with the AAIB stating the origin and development of the fire were under investigation.
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