An investigation into the helicopter crash at Long Lellang is ongoing, cause unknown.

MIRI, 19 September: The Air Accident Investigation Unit (BSKU), Ministry of Transport is still conducting an official safety investigation to identify the cause of the helicopter crash that killed five people at the end of Long Lellang runway, Marudi on 8 September.

Deputy Minister of Transport, Datuk Hasbi Habibollah said the investigation was conducted in accordance with Section 26 of the Civil Aviation Regulations 2016 and Annex 13 of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

According to him, the BSKU investigative team was at the scene on the second or third day after the accident to conduct an examination and collect relevant evidence.

He said the investigation included inspection of the crash site and aircraft wreckage, collection and maintenance of evidence, research of operational and maintenance records, crew information, weather conditions and other relevant evidence.

"The investigation also received cooperation and technical support from aircraft manufacturers in Germany as well as engine manufacturers in the United States, in accordance with ICAO Annex 13 provisions.

"At this stage, the cause and contributing factors of the accident have not yet been determined. The investigation is still ongoing and BSKU will not make any conclusions before all the evidence is examined", he said at the MyLesen Delivery Council organised by the Department of Road Transport (JPJ) and DUN Service Centre, Telang Usan, here today.

Nahas on September 8 last killed a pilot and four Malaysian Ministry of Health (KKM) officials who were performing the services of Air Doctor.

All of the victims were found in the helicopter's wreckage in a suspended condition after the helicopter crashed and burned at the end of Long Auction runway.

Additionally, BSKU will issue an initial or preliminary report within 30 days from the date of the accident, in accordance with ICAO Annex 13.

"The next preliminary report will be presented to the Cabinet in line with the decision of the Cabinet on September 9", he said.

The helicopter has been used by SMEs in Sarawak since 2009 to support health services in rural areas, especially Miri, Bintulu, Limbang, Marudi and Bario. - TVS