KUALA LUMPUR: The Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) will suspend all flights involving Blackshape aircraft models BS 115, BK 160, BK 160-200, and BK 160TR, within Malaysian airspace, effective tomorrow.
Its chief executive officer Datuk Captain Norazman Mahmud said this suspension aligns with the Emergency Airworthiness Directive (EAD) issued by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) on March 18.
Norazman said CAAM as the manufacturing state authority for these aircraft, has decided to suspend all flight operations for the specified Blackshape aeroplanes, including all serial numbers, effective tomorrow.
"The issuance of the EAD by EASA was prompted by recent fatal accidents involving Blackshape aircraft, highlighting significant safety concerns.
"CAAM is committed to prioritising aviation safety in Malaysia and will take all necessary actions to ensure the safe operation of flights," he said.
On Feb 13, a light aircraft model BK160TR crashed near Kampung Tok Muda, Kapar.
The preliminary crash report found that the aircraft continued to be flown during the period when the aircraft was supposed to be grounded.
The Air Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) in its preliminary report said there were two grounding orders issued for the aircraft.