Sarawak helicopter crash: Air accident investigators to arrive in Miri today

KUALA LUMPUR: The Air Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) team is expected to arrive in Miri today to begin investigating the helicopter crash in Long Lellang, Sarawak.

Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) chief executive officer Datuk Captain Norazman Mahmud said the team is expected to arrive in Miri at 2pm before assisting with the investigation into the crash.

"The helicopter wreckage at the crash site will remain undisturbed following instructions from the AAIB... the site has been cordoned off and secured.

"Meanwhile, authorities will resume search and recovery operations at the crash site today," he told the New Straits Times.

Norazman said a Fire and Rescue Department helicopter carrying 18 personnel from various agencies departed Miri for Long Lellang at 7am.

Two police helicopters would follow at 10am, with one departing Kuching carrying five personnel and another from Kota Kinabalu carrying six personnel, both from Miri.

"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 that of their families.

He added that the Long Lellang runway had been closed to fixed-wing aircraft, with a Notice to Airmen issued and activated.

Yesterday, the CAAM said a Flying Doctor Service Bo-105 helicopter carrying five people crashed near the Long Lellang STOLport in Sarawak.

It said that it received notification of the incident from the Flight Information Service at 3.58pm.