Traveller frets over safety at MASwing
MIRI: A consultant gynaecologist expresses worry over the Twin Otter landing mishap in Miri on Tuesday, saying travellers have the right to know what happened and the remedial steps taken for peace of mind.
Dr Roland Dom Mattu said rural short landing and take-off airports, including Bario, had a higher level of risk and require high competency due to the shorter runway, mountainous terrain and unpredictable weather.
He said the problem was compounded by the year-end rainy season where slippery roads, landslides and damaged road and bridges are safety hazards for road users.
It took him two days by 4WD vehicle to reach Bario recently, and it is not recommended for those without real experience.
“The safer way to Bario is by rural air service. We appreciate what MASwing is doing, but the recent overshooting of the runway in Miri Airport is really worrying,” he said.
Dr Roland said in the interest of passengers’ safety, MASWings should ensure that captain without experience on landing and take-off in rural STOLs shouldn’t fly the sector.
He called on the authorities to look into the Miri Airport incident seriously and take remedial action, including reviewing recruitment and deployment of pilots in RAS sector in the state.
A Twin Otter flying from Lawas skidded off the runway at Miri Airport in fine weather on Jan 7, but all the 16 on board, including 14 passengers escaped unharmed.
The authorities are investigating the cause against the background of a report of a five knots crosswinds at the time of landing at 4.30 pm, possibility of mechanical problems or pilot error.