Hornbill Skyways Grounded
 

Just read about another helicopter accident in Borneo involving a B206 from Hornbill Skyways. The machine according to witnesses had some type of explosion mid air with all 4 pax fatally injured. The company has been grounded pending a full investigation. This brings to 3 the number of fatal accidents in the same amount of months. This must be devestating for such a small close knit flying community.

refer http://www.sarawaktribune.com.my/pub...le_40227.shtml

:sad:

Evod

Very Sad and very strange as it is reported the Aircraft "Exploded in Mid-Air" Hard to get a Jet Ranger to explode. That part of the world leads one to be suspicious.

Three accidents in three months, heck even if they do get into the air again, who the heck would want to fly with them. I sure as heck wouldnt.

Autorotate.

P.S. Anyone have any idea on maintenance standards for aircraft in this region.

Maintenance standards are generally acceptable. Our personal business operates under Private Category and follows the approved manufacturer schedule of maintenance. The local engineers are generally trained on specific aircraft type.
On the other hand, we as pilot, are not even allowed to carry any tools, basic spare parts in case of problems in the bush (on Malaysian registered aircrafts that is). Any foreign registered aircraft in Malaysia does not have to comply
Very different scene from Oz and other parts of the world. Local Pilots here are drivers basically and do not possess much mechanical knowledge of their relevant aircraft.
So far, the previous 2 accidents were connected to gross overloading and bad weather for one, and mountain waves conditions for the second. But the locals may never admit it.
The latest one, well lots of rumours are starting to fly....bad maintenance, poor decision making, etc etc. But the most alarming one is the possibility of sabotage!!!!
We're even looking at private 24 hours security for our own ops.
Yak...
I really believe it is time for the local aviation authority (DCA) to seek some expertise from the western aviation world, and remedy the apparent flaws in the relevant regulations. Then again it may never happen due to their pride. Might be time to seek safer skies if such a thing exist our days. :(

Agree with Wlm
 

I operated in the area concerned for a short period of time and agree with the comments WLM made. On top of that i applied the law of common sense and paranoia by carrying basic tools and watched the maintenance people with a caring but subtle over the shoulder eye if you know what i mean. Most of all the driver should have a very good understanding of the machinery they fly, unfortunately the local guys dont. Hornbill has had a bad run and the problem i feel is ingrained with the Malaysian system and may be hard to rectify.

Gday WLM and hang in there!

:ok:

Basic Tools for a 206 per a crewchief I had in Alaska.

1. Duct Tape
2. Safety Wire
3. Safety Wire Tool.
4. Wrench for Chip Detectors
5. Leatherman or Schrade Tool on the Belt.
6. Bung Wrench for Fuel Drums.

The above posts do not make clear that the second helicopter to crash was an S61 "Nuri" of the Royal Malaysian Air Force.

the Sultan is right
 

Correct you are sultan. The second accident was a s61 from the RMAF. If we look at hornbills record over the last year though their record is still sad to say the least.

1. 18 July 03, B206 2 pax dead at Lawas. (weather related)
2. 12 July 04, B206L 7 pax dead at Bario. (Prob wx related)
3. 04 Sep 04, B206 4 Pax dead

A Bad record to say the least. I truly hope the investigation into their operations brings to light the causes for these accidents be it training, commercial pressure , crm or what ever the cause.