KUCHING, Sept 14 — Police are expanding their investigation into the helicopter crash in Long Lellang, Baram, by examining the refuelling location and several places the aircraft passed through before the incident to determine whether there were any unusual occurrences.

Sarawak Police Commissioner Datuk Mohamad Zainal Abdullah said there are so far no indications that the incident was caused by elements other than an accident, but all possibilities are still being examined as part of a comprehensive investigation.

“So far, we have recorded statements from 19 witnesses and will call up several more individuals if necessary, besides returning to the relevant locations to get a more detailed picture of the incident,” he told reporters after attending a dinner with local media here tonight.

He said the investigation also covered the entire flight chronology, from when the aircraft took off in Miri to its final destination, including flight records and the possibility of emergency calls.

“Everything, from the initial take-off until the incident occurred, we will look into. The places they went and anything that can assist the investigation will be scrutinised,” he said.

Meanwhile, he said the technical investigation into the crash had been handed over to the Air Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), while the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) would continue to provide assistance if needed to complete the investigation.

He added that the timeframe to complete the investigation depended on the number of additional statements to be recorded and locations to be re-examined, but police would strive to complete it as soon as possible.

Earlier, he said the remains of all victims had been safely claimed by their families.

On Tuesday, a BO-105 helicopter carrying five individuals, including the pilot, crashed near the Long Lellang Short Take-Off and Landing Airport (STOLport).

The victims were the pilot, Captain Zainol Afiq Bee Sham, 30; medical officer Dr Ainul Baraah Kamaruddin, 33; medical assistant Alexson Adit Henry, 31; and nurses Debra Moset, 40, and Jessie Paya Jok, 44. — Bernama