Helicopter crash caused by pilot error, says Transport Minister
News Update by The Star News Desk
PUTRAJAYA: Pilot error has been found to be the cause of the Bell 206 helicopter crash, which killed seven people including Sarawak’s Assistant State Minister Dr Judson Tagal in a flight from Bario to Bakelalan last July.
The crash was attributed to the pilot's lack of flying at high altitude.
Transport Minister Datuk Seri Chan Kong Choy said as a result of the accident, the Department of Civil Aviation had initiated several measures to prevent recurrence.
“Our investigations indicated that the helicopter was not exceeding its optimal weight but because it was being flown at a high altitude, there was a very low margin for error for its engine, due to the thinner air.
“The investigation team also showed that the pilot lacked the latest experience in flying the aircraft in a mountainous region and at such high altitude. In addition, the strong winds, overcast clouds and the heavy rains during the flight were also contributing factors in the crash,” he told reporters after the Cabinet meeting here Wednesday.
Chan said the report, which was handed to the Cabinet, would be made public. It can be obtained from the Department of Civil Aviation's headquarters for a nominal fee of RM30.
A four-man air accident investigation team, assisted by representatives from the helicopter and engine manufacturers, carried out investigations of the crash.
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