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Malaysia Flying Doctor Helicopter Crash Kills Five, Investigation Started

9/9/2026

Summary

Flying Doctor Crash

A Malaysia Flying Doctor Service BO-105 helicopter crashed in Sarawak, killing five aboard.
The crash occurred near Long Lellang Short Takeoff and Landing airport.
Disaster management chairman Galong Luang confirmed the pilot, a doctor, a medical assistant and two nurses died.
Police Commissioner Datuk Mohamud Zainal Abdulá said investigators suspect the crash happened while landing.
Malaysia’s Civil Aviation Authority opened an investigation after being notified of the crash.

Summary

Dzulkefly Ensures Service

Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad pledged Flying Doctor Service will continue after the crash.
He clarified the Ministry of Health does not own helicopters, using outsourced operators.
Director-General Datuk Dr Mahathar Abd Wahab said civil aviation authorities handle aviation safety.
Ministry will review Flying Doctor Service schedules and update guidance after the incident.
Doctors criticized the unchanged RM30 flight allowance as not reflecting evacuation danger.

History

Historical Context

The 2024 BO-105 crash echoes the 2005 Long Lellang Sikorsky S-61 loss that left three crew dead and left the Ministry of Health’s RM30 per-flight evacuation fee unchanged. Since 1989, 95 RMAF personnel have perished in 18 S-61 crashes, prompting a partial EC725 replacement that never fully retired the aging fleet, spurring calls for stricter audits and higher flight allowances.

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Flying Doctor Crash

A Malaysia Flying Doctor Service BO-105 helicopter crashed in Sarawak, killing five aboard.
The crash occurred near Long Lellang Short Takeoff and Landing airport.
Disaster management chairman Galong Luang confirmed the pilot, a doctor, a medical assistant and two nurses died.
Police Commissioner Datuk Mohamud Zainal Abdulá said investigators suspect the crash happened while landing.
Malaysia’s Civil Aviation Authority opened an investigation after being notified of the crash.

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