KUALA LUMPUR: There is a need to tighten the rules around the operations of foreign aircraft in the country, says Anthony Loke.
The Transport Minister said the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) is currently investigating the Beechcraft Model 390 which crashed en route to Subang Airport from Langkawi on Aug 17 last year, which showed there are loopholes that need to be plugged.
He said a report by the CAAM over the air crash is expected to be presented to the ministry by year-end.
“And there is a need to strengthen the regulations over the operations of foreign aircraft here. CAAM is currently investigating this matter,” he said in a press conference after witnessing the signing of a commercial agreement between Mass Rapid Transit Corporation Sdn Bhd and Coronade Properties Sdn Bhd here on Tuesday (Aug 20).
Loke added that CAAM will be in charge of the follow-up action if there are violations of the rules in the operation of the Beechcraft plane following its crash, an incident that killed 10 people, including two on the ground.
“If they violate any rules involving the aviation regulations, the company can face further action.
“On the question why the pilot allowed his co-pilot to assume his chair, we cannot answer that. It was only revealed later from the recordings of the black box.
Last week, the Air Accident Investigation Bureau's (AAIB) final report on its investigations on the air crash was released, with the findings concluding that human error by the flight crew was the primary cause of the accident.
The report released by the Transport Ministry revealed that the accident was caused by the accidental extension of the lift dump spoilers by the two-man flight crew during a pre-landing routine.
On the same day, CAAM said surveillance has been ramped up at the Subang or Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport following the Beechcraft incident, in line with safety recommendations from AAIB.
CAAM also said it has commenced a comprehensive review of regulation 147 of the Civil Aviation Regulations 2016, which pertains to the operation of foreign-registered aircraft in general aviation.
On Aug 17 last year, the privately operated Beechcraft had departed Langkawi International Airport for Subang, but crashed in a Shah Alam township just two minutes before landing.
Those killed were six passengers, two pilots and two others who were hit by the plane on the ground, namely an e-hailing driver and a delivery rider on a motorcycle.
