AAIB releases preliminary report on Long Lellang helicopter crash that killed five

The investigation is being carried out in accordance with Annex 13 to the Convention on International Civil Aviation and the civil aviation regulations in force. — Bernama pic

By Malay Mail

First Published: Friday, 16 Oct 2026 4:09 PM MYT

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 16 — The Air Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has published its preliminary report into the September 8 crash of a Flying Doctor Service helicopter at the Long Lellang STOLport in Miri, Sarawak, which killed a pilot and four passengers.

The Transport Ministry said the Bolkow BO105 S helicopter, registered 9M-LLF and operated by Layang-Layang Aerospace Sdn Bhd, was on a scheduled Flying Doctor Service flight from Selungo to the Long Lellang STOLport at the time of the accident.

It said the report compiles the factual information identified at the early stage of the investigation, in line with the government’s commitment to transparency and accountability.

“Investigations are still ongoing to determine the cause and contributing factors of the accident,” the ministry said in a statement today.

It added that the information in the preliminary report is subject to change based on additional evidence, while a full analysis and the investigation’s conclusions will be detailed in the final report.

The ministry stressed that the investigation is aimed at preventing similar accidents, not at apportioning blame or liability to any party.

The investigation is being carried out in accordance with Annex 13 to the Convention on International Civil Aviation and the civil aviation regulations in force.

The ministry expressed its sorrow over the incident and conveyed its condolences to the families of the victims.

It also thanked the AAIB and all parties that assisted in the investigation, and said it remains committed to strengthening the country’s aviation safety.

The preliminary report can be downloaded at https://go.gov.my/Laporan-Insiden-Kemalangan-A11-26.