Police examine helicopter’s movements before fatal crash

KUCHING: Sarawak police are retracing the BO-105 helicopter’s final journey, including its refuelling point and key locations along its flight path, as investigators piece together the events leading to last Tuesday’s fatal crash near the Long Lellang STOLport.

Sarawak Police Commissioner Datuk Mohamad Zainal Abdullah said the investigation has expanded beyond the crash site, with officers revisiting several locations to verify the aircraft’s movements and gather additional evidence.

“We will examine everything, from the moment the helicopter took off until the accident occurred. Every location it travelled to and anything that could assist the investigation will be thoroughly scrutinised,” he told reporters after attending a dinner with the local media here on Sunday (Sept 13).

The dinner was attended by district police chiefs, senior police officers, personnel from the Sarawak Police Contingent Headquarters (IPK Sarawak), heads of department and around 20 media personnel.

Mohamad Zainal said police have recorded statements from 19 witnesses so far, with more expected to be called if required.

“We have recorded statements from 19 witnesses and will call several more individuals if necessary. We will also return to the relevant locations to obtain a more detailed picture of what happened.”

He said investigators are reviewing the helicopter’s complete flight chronology, from its departure in Miri to its intended destination, including flight records and whether any distress call was transmitted before the crash.

While preliminary findings have not indicated any element other than an accident, he stressed that every possible factor would continue to be examined before any conclusions are reached.

The technical investigation is being conducted by the Air Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), with the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) providing support throughout the probe.

Mohamad Zainal said the duration of the investigation would depend on the number of additional witness statements and follow-up inspections required, but assured that police would complete their work as swiftly as possible.

He also confirmed that the remains of all five victims have been claimed by their respective families.

The crash claimed the lives of pilot Capt Zainol Afiq Bee Sham, 30; medical officer Dr Ainul Baraah Kamaruddin, 33; medical assistant Alexson Adit Henry, 31; and nurses Debra Moset, 40, and Jessie Paya Jok, 44.