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Two years ago today, 23 April, Malaysians were united in grief as 10 lives were lost in a tragic mid-air collision involving two Royal Malaysian Navy helicopters
It remains one of the deadliest helicopter accidents in the country in recent years, overshadowing earlier tragedies such as the 2016 crash that claimed six lives, including then Deputy Minister of Plantation Industries and Commodities Tan Sri Noriah Kasnon, and Kuala Kangsar MP Datuk Wan Mohammad Khair-il Anuar Wan Ahmad.
The incident took place in Lumut, Perak, during a rehearsal for the 90th Navy Day parade.
The AgustaWestland AW139 Maritime Operations Helicopter landed at the steps of the Navy Stadium
Image via NSTPWithin minutes, videos of the crash began circulating widely on social media, capturing nationwide attention and shock.
The two aircraft involved were an AgustaWestland AW139 Maritime Operations Helicopter (HOM) and a Eurocopter Fennec.
Both came down near the steps of the Naval Base Stadium and the pool area of the Navy Sports Complex.
It was the first time both helicopters had conducted a joint rehearsal for the event.
Investigations later indicated that the Fennec was flying outside its assigned altitude and flight path, entering the operational space of the AW139.
The AgustaWestland AW139 helicopter carried seven personnel.
Image via NSTPIn a statement several months after the accident, the Navy said the Fennec's deviation in altitude and direction led it into the path of the HOM helicopter.
Authorities also confirmed that everyone onboard was medically fit and properly qualified, while the aircraft were deemed airworthy and weather conditions were favourable at the time.
Prior to the rehearsal, the Fennec was based in Lumut, while the HOM helicopter had flown in from Kota Kinabalu specifically for the exercise.
Officers involved are based in Lumut, Perak and Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.
Image via NSTPThe 10 personnel involved in the accident were:
AgustaWestland AW139 Maritime Operations Helicopter (HOM)
- Commander Muhammad Firdaus Ramli (RMN Squadron Commanding Officer 503)
- Lieutenant Commander Wan Rezaudeen Kamal Wan Zainal Abidin (RMN)
- Lieutenant Commander Mohammad Amirulfaris Mohamad Marzukhi (RMN)
- Warrant Officer II TLR (AQM) Muhammad Faisol Tamadun
- Warrant Officer II TNL Noorfarahimi Mohd Saedy (Passenger)
- Petty Officer TNL Noor Rahiza Anuar (Passenger)
- Able Seaman I JJM Joanna Felicia Rohna (Passenger)
Eurocopter Fennec
- Warrant Officer II TMK Mohd Shahrizan Mohd Termizi
- Commander Muhamad Amir Mohamad (RMN Squadron Commanding Officer 502)
- Lieutenant T. Sivasutan (RMN)
