KUALA LUMPUR – One of the two helicopters that collided mid-air killing 10 people in Lumut during an anniversary rehearsal last month was flying at the wrong altitude and in the wrong direction, the Royal Malaysian Navy’s (RMN) full report on the fatal crash said.
This was the main factor for the Fennec helicopter’s collision with the HOM-AW139, navy chief Adm Tan Sri Abdul Rahman Ayob said in a statement on the RMN findings.
It caused the Fennec to enter the flight path of the AW139, which was focused on changing its course, thus limiting reaction time to avoid a collision.
This act of “channelised attention” by the AW139 to avert the Fennec was a secondary cause of the collision.
Both helicopters in the crash had been airworthy on the day of the incident on April 23, navy chief Rahman added.
Neither helicopter had technical problems and maintenance on both had been carried out according to schedule, while all the crew involved were confirmed to be medically fit to fly, with their flight qualifications still valid.
Autopsy reports on the crew also ruled out fatigue, hypoglycaemia and use of prohibited substances.
Weather conditions had also been good on the day of the incident.
“After being examined, the investigation board has concluded that the causative factors of the accident are as follows:
“Main factor – the Fennec aircraft was not at the altitude and heading that had been set, and had entered the path of the AW139 aircraft. This act of ‘channelised attention’ by the AW139 to avert the Fennec was a secondary cause of the collision,” Rahman said.
The investigation board comprised nine navy officers who are specialists in aviation and air engineering and who received assistance from the Malaysian Armed Forces, the Directorate General Technical Airworthiness, and medical doctors.
Rahman also said that all 10 victims died of multiple injuries due to the crash.
The two helicopters collided and crashed at the RMN stadium in Lumut at 9.32am after taking off from the Sitiawan field at 9.03am.
They were rehearsing a fly-past for the RMN’s 90th anniversary celebration in early May, which was later cancelled.
The AW139 reportedly crashed at the steps of the navy stadium, while the Fennec crashed near the swimming pool of the navy sports complex.
The deceased, who were all below the age of 40, were seven crew members of the two helicopters, and three passengers.
The crew members were Squadron 502 commanding officer Muhamad Amir Mohamad, T. Sivasutan (Squadron 502 pilot), Mohd Shahrizan Mohd Termizi (Squadron 502 air quartermaster), Squadron 503 commanding officer Muhammad Firdaus Ramli, Wan Rezaudeen Kamal Wan Zainal Abidin (Squadron 503 air tactical officer), Mohammad Amirulfaris Mohamad Marzukhi and Muhammad Faisol Tamadun (Squadron 503 air quartermaster).
The three passengers, all women, were Joanna Felicia Rohna from the RMN airbase, Norfarahimi Saedy (West Armada Supply Depot), as well as Nor Rahiza Anuar (West Armada Supply Depot).
They were given military honours posthumously, and each of their families received RM10,000. – May 30, 2024