BTH: Sarawak helicopter crash, the investigation & the safety questions [WATCH]

KUALA LUMPUR: The Sept 8 helicopter crash in Sarawak claimed the lives of five people serving under the Health Ministry's Flying Doctor Service — a veteran pilot and four healthcare workers.

The tragedy has raised questions about helicopter safety, the suitability and age of the aircraft, operating conditions in Sarawak's rugged terrain, and how medical services can continue reaching remote communities.

Aviation safety expert Associate Professor Major Dr Muhammad Harun Muhammad Sufian discuss what can and cannot be established before investigators release their findings.

The expert stress that the age of a helicopter alone does not determine whether it is safe to fly, with factors such as flying hours, maintenance history, component condition, flight profile and predictive maintenance also important.

The investigation, conducted under ICAO Annex 13 principles, is expected to include examination of the wreckage, components, maintenance records and operational history.

A preliminary report is expected around 30 days after the accident, while the full report is expected within a year.

The discussion also looks at the challenges of flying in Sarawak's remote and mountainous terrain, including weather, turbulence, peaks and valleys, and the need for pilots to assess conditions before deciding whether to fly.

Meanwhile, the Health Ministry has suspended the Flying Doctor Service in Sarawak pending investigation.

More in the latest episode of Beyond the Headlines on NST Online's YouTube channel.