BUTTERWORTH: A board of inquiry has been set up by the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) to investigate the Beechcraft B200T air crash at the Butterworth Airbase here yesterday.
Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) chief General Datuk Seri Affendi Buang said it would consist of five members.
He said they would study all angles to ascertain the cause of the crash.
“From the investigations, we hope to ascertain whether the crash was caused by technical issues or from the pilot himself.
“Our focus now is to ensure that investigations can be carried out promptly and be completed as soon as possible,” he told a press conference at the Forensic Unit in the Seberang Jaya Hospital.
Earlier, Affendi accompanied Deputy Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Johari Baharum to pay their last respects to Major C. Kayamboo who was killed in the crash.
Also present was Armed Forces chief General Tan Sri Raja Mohamed Affandi Raja Mohamed Noor.
Affendi said the aircraft, although more than 20 years old, had a good maintenance record and had never had any problems.
“Nevertheless, we will look at all aspects thoroughly without making any assumptions,” he stressed.
Checks also showed that at the time of the incident, the weather was fine.
Meanwhile, Johari said the rescue mission had been carried out well.
“This shows that we are well prepared to face any problems,” he added.
Johari said the ministry would also render the necessary assistance to the family of the deceased and the injured.
In the 5.18pm incident, Kayamboo was killed while another three on board were seriously injured when the aircraft crashed inside the Butterworth Airbase here yesterday.
Johari said Kayamboo has had a good track record and was piloting a training flight yesterday.