SHAH ALAM - The Air Accident Investigation Bureau (BSKU) has released the final investigation report into last year's devastating crash of a Beechcraft Model 390 (Premier 1) aircraft in Bandar Elmina, which resulted in the tragic loss of ten lives.
The report included a transcript from a voice recording captured during the aircraft’s final moments, revealing the urgent exchanges between the two crew members before the crash.
The recording, which lasted about 26 minutes, documented a crucial interaction during the landing process.
The co-pilot is heard mentioning, "lift dump unlock, handle illuminated," indicating an action taken during the pre-landing checks.
Almost immediately after, an alarm is triggered—signifying the activation of the 'lift dump' system, a critical event that occurred within just one and a half seconds following the co-pilot's statement.
The situation quickly escalated, as reflected in the recording.
The pilot’s alarmed response, "Woah woah woah woah woah woah woah woah. What's going on?" highlighted the sudden confusion and urgency in the cockpit.
The dialogue ends abruptly eleven seconds later with both crew members invoking, "Ya ALLAH," a phrase repeated several times in a tone of desperation.
According to the BSKU, the crash on August 17, 2023 was caused by a loss of control during flight, initiated by an unintended deployment of the 'lift dump spoilers'—likely by the co-pilot.
This unintentional action caused a rapid loss of lift, precipitating the fatal loss of control that led to the crash as the aircraft was approaching Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport, Subang, after departing from Langkawi International Airport.
The investigation further revealed significant issues concerning the training and operational awareness of the crew.
Specifically, the report pointed out that inadequate crew training on the 'lift dump' system's operation significantly contributed to the mishap.
The tragic incident not only claimed the lives of the six passengers and two crew members on board but also fatally impacted a p-hailing motorcyclist and an e-hailing driver who were in the vicinity of the crash site.
Among the victims was Pahang State Executive Council member Datuk Johari Harun.