RMAF crash classified as ‘training hazard’

KUALA LUMPUR: The cause of the Royal Malaysian Air Force’s (RMAF) Beechcraft B200T crash at the Butterworth airbase last year was not due to technical problems, the Dewan Rakyat was told yesterday.

Datuk Seri Mohd Johari Baharum (BN-Kubang Pasu), who is deputy defence minister, said the accident, which killed the pilot and injured three officers, was classified as a “training hazard”.

“The board of inquiry concluded that the accident occurred while the trainee co-pilot was performing an Asymmetric Circuit Flight (simulating one engine that is not functioning).

“This is compulsory training for all RMAF pilots undergoing aircraft transition courses.”

He said following the crash, RMAF sent a test pilot to a simulator centre in Texas, the United States, to conduct an assessment on the crash.

“The results of the assessment showed no technical problems. The Beechcraft B200T was allowed to resume operations.”

He said the injured officers were given medical treatment.

“Lieutenant Hamdi Hanifi only suffered minor cuts to the forehead and is back at work.

“Captain Wai Lik and Sergeant Mohd Sofi Azizan sustained serious injuries.

“They are in stable condition and have been granted sick leave,” he said.

Asked by Ahmad Baihaki Atiqullah (Pas-Kubang Kerian) on steps the government had taken to reduce the risk of recurrences, Johari said accidents were caused by many factors, including human error, technical difficulties and weather.

“When an air crash happens, we will form a committee to investigate the cause and take action to ensure similar incidents will not happen again.

“The age of an aircraft is not important. Its maintenance is crucial.

“The Nuri helicopter, for example, has been in service for a long time. The fleet is in use because we have maintained it properly.”