The official crash investigation report regarding the two TLDM (Royal Malaysian Navy) helicopter was released today.

The main factor that caused the accident was identified as of one of the aircraft was not at the specified altitude and course. The Fennec helicopter had entered the path of the AW139 helicopter which caused both to collide and crash.

The crash claimed 10 lives last April 23, at the TLDM Base in Lumut, Perak.

TLDM’s statement also mentioned another factor called channelized attention which caused the crew to on their course which limited their ability to react quickly to avoid a collision. (Note from the author: This factor also often occurs among motorcyclists and drivers called ‘target fixation.’)

“The Board of Inquiry carried out an investigation to identify the cause or factor that contributed to the incident in various aspects.

The investigation had studied all aspects that could potentially result in the accident.

“This included recreating the flight profile on the day of the incident by simulating that profile using a flight simulator as well as a real aircraft.

“In addition, assistance and views from Airbus Helicopters are also taken into account if there is data on the Fennec aircraft equipment that can help the investigation.”

According to report, after a comprehensive investigation, the Board of Inquiry found that the post-mortem report confirmed that there was no issue of ‘hypoglycemia’ (lack of glucose concentration in the blood) or fatigue for all the aircrew and no use of prohibited substances.

“In addition, no element of mental illness was recorded or identified with all the aircrew involved and they were medically certified as ‘fit to fly’.

“The deaths of all 10 victims were caused by multiple injuries due to aviation crash.

“The AW139 aircraft was confirmed to be free of technical problems based on the Black Box Analysis Report. The Fennec aircraft also did not have any technical problems based on the visual and sound analysis and documentation. The maintenance work of both aircraft was confirmed to be carried out in accordance with the procedures and routines set by the original equipment manufacturer (OEM).”

“Oil, lubricant and fuel samples have been checked and confirmed to be normal by the Defense Science and Technology Research Institute (STRIDE).”

In fact, the weather conditions on the day of the incident was good and suitable for the flight.

“The Black Box Analysis Report of the AW139 aircraft was also used to assist the investigation. As for the Fennec aircraft, the proof of the flight profile was through a flight simulation using a real aircraft.”

Cooperation, expertise and views from OEMs namely Leonardo Helicopter and Airbus Helicopter were also consulted to assist the investigation.

“Airbus Helicopter confirmed that there was no Non-Volatile Memory (NVM) equipment on the Fennec aircraft which could assist the investigation.” (Note from the author: Data recorders or better known as black boxes are not required to be installed in helicopters.)