Tragic Collision of Malaysian Military Helicopters
On a fateful day during a training session, two Malaysian military helicopters collided, resulting in a devastating incident that claimed the lives of all onboard. The country’s rescue agency reported the heartbreaking news of the accident.
Details of the Incident
Footage circulating online captured the moment when several helicopters were flying in formation at low altitude over the Lumut Naval Base in western Perak state, approximately 160 kilometers from Kuala Lumpur. The helicopters were engaged in a flypast rehearsal in preparation for the upcoming Naval Day celebrations in May.
During the training session, one helicopter inadvertently clipped the rear rotor of another, leading to a catastrophic chain of events that caused both aircraft to spiral out of control and crash.
Response and Investigations
Suhaimy Mohamad Suhail, the senior operations commander from the fire and rescue department, confirmed the tragic outcome, stating that all 10 crew members aboard the helicopters had lost their lives. The aircraft involved in the collision were identified as a Eurocopter AS555SN Fennec and an AgustaWestland AW139.
Following the incident, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim expressed his condolences to the families of the victims and assured that a thorough investigation would be conducted by the Ministry of Defense, particularly the Royal Malaysian Navy, to determine the cause of the crash.
Malaysia’s king, Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar, also shared his sympathies, acknowledging the loss of the national heroes in the tragic event. Such helicopter accidents, while not uncommon in the country, always bring profound sorrow and reflection.
History of Helicopter Incidents in Malaysia
Unfortunately, helicopter crashes have been a recurring issue in Malaysia. In recent years, there have been several notable incidents, including a coast guard helicopter crash in the Strait of Malacca and a collision involving helicopters from the same pilot school.
Each of these incidents serves as a stark reminder of the risks involved in aviation and the importance of stringent safety measures to prevent such tragedies from recurring.