AAIB confirms helicopters collided mid-air in Taman Melawati – Malaysia.
The Air Accident Investigation Bureau's (AAIB) preliminary report of its investigation into a crash involving two helicopters in Taman Melawati in November confirms that a mid-air collision did occur, and investigators are now ascertaining how it happened and how it could have been prevented.
It appears two Guimbal Cabri G2 helicopters, had maintained a distance between 50m and 120m of each other at all times. "However, at 11.44am, the helicopters started to converge and collided a few seconds later," the report stated. The report also revealed a passenger in one helicopter had alerted its pilot, the other helicopter was getting closer.
The report also revealed that the two aircraft indicated in their flight plan that they would be "flying in company", which also raised questions among investigators. "A quick check into the local Aeronautical Information Publication (AIP) reveals that the only rule similar to what has been practised can be found under formation flights.
"Formation flying is without a doubt a discipline in itself... any lapse in discipline could lead to catastrophic results," it said.
The AAIB will be conducting further investigations. Meanwhile, the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) will look into making additional training a requirement for private clubs and operators, which is aimed at increasing awareness and competency among aviation enthusiasts.
The club had secured CAAM approval to offer Helicopters’ Private Pilot Licence - PPL (H) - training programmes to its members.
Condolences to those who lost loved ones.