THE Fire and Rescue Department (FRD) is conducting an internal investigation into the crash of its Agusta AW189 helicopter at the apron of UniKL MIAT hangar near Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport in Subang yesterday.

It said it would take follow-up actions in accordance with the findings and instructions as well as current procedure. 

“The Air Accident Investigation Bureau (an agency under the Transport Ministry) is also conducting a detailed investigation to identify the cause of the incident,” it said in a statement today.

The department said the craft was set to undergo an engine ground run at 11.40am after undergoing a periodic maintenance process.

“The weather conditions at the time of the incident were reported to be cloudy, without any obstacles at the scene,” he said.

Three FRD officers were on board when the crash occurred. They were Hasrizal Kamaruzzaman (craft commander), Che Muhammad Azlan Che Mohammad (pilot) and Fua’ad Jamaluddin (air quartermaster).

Four maintenance crew members from Galaxy Aerospace Sdn Bhd – Muhammad Mohd Taib (chief engineer), Ahmad Zhafri Mohd Nor (avionics engineer), Mohammad Zhafir Mohammad (intern) and Ryan Xavier Julius (intern) – were also on board.

The FRD said all the personnel involved received initial treatment and examination at the scene by a team from Tengku Ampuan Rahimah Hospital and Universiti Malaya Medical Centre. 

“The victims were reported not to have suffered any injuries except for a maintenance crew member who complained of back pain and was instructed to undergo further examination at a health clinic. After doing so, he was allowed to go home and was reported to be safe,” said the FRD. – Bernama, July 23, 2023.