KUCHING: The Air Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) team is expected to arrive in Miri today to begin investigations into the helicopter crash near the Long Lellang STOLport, said Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) chief executive officer Datuk Captain Norazman Mahmud.
He said the team is expected to arrive in Miri at 2pm before proceeding to assist in the investigation.
“The helicopter wreckage at the crash site will remain undisturbed following instructions from the AAIB. The site has been cordoned off and secured,” he was quoted as saying in the New Straits Times report.
Norazman said search and recovery operations at the crash site would resume today, with the Fire and Rescue Department helicopter carrying 18 personnel from various agencies departing Miri for Long Lellang at 7am.
Two police helicopters are also scheduled to follow at 10am, with one departing from Kuching carrying five personnel and another from Kota Kinabalu carrying six personnel, both heading to Miri before proceeding to the crash site.
“Four police personnel from Long Lama and four Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency personnel from Miri are also en route to Long Lellang,” he said.
Norazman said police would manage the identification and investigation process at Miri Hospital, including comparing the victims’ DNA with samples from their families.
He added that the Long Lellang runway had been closed to fixed-wing aircraft, with a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) issued and activated.
The CAAM had yesterday (Sept 8) confirmed that a Flying Doctor Service Bo-105 helicopter carrying five people crashed near the Long Lellang STOLport and the incident was reported to CAAM by the Flight Information Service at 3.58pm.
