Factual Information
On 1 February 2020, a Bell 206L-3 helicopter, registered 9M-AZK, was involved in an accident at LP43 on the Malaysia-Brunei border. The helicopter was operated by Sabah Air Aviation Sdn Bhd and was tasked by JUPEM Sarawak to assist in laying border markers. The aircraft had two persons on board, both pilots.
The helicopter had just lifted off from LP43 with an underslung load when it began to roll and yaw to the left. The pilot-in-command attempted to level the aircraft, but the main rotor blades struck trees to the left of the landing point. The helicopter pitched downward into trees and bushes, coming to rest inverted. Both pilots egressed unassisted and sustained only minor cuts and bruises.
The landing point (LP43) had been prepared by a Brunei team. Building materials were haphazardly placed, leaving limited space for the helicopter. The underslung load—two concrete markers in a cargo net—was positioned less than two feet from the left skid.
Weather was clear with minimal wind. No distress calls were made; the safety pilot relayed accident information via satellite phone to the operator. There was no post-impact fire, and the fuel cell remained intact. The helicopter was equipped with no flight recorders. Damage to the aircraft was extensive, and it was deemed a total write-off.
Analysis
According to the aircraft marshaller, as the helicopter lifted off, rotor downwash caused part of the cargo net to blow upward and become entangled on the front of the left skid. The marshaller attempted to warn the pilot, but the aircraft began rolling and yawing left before impacting trees. The safety pilot did not notice the entanglement.
LP43 was situated on a hill in dense primary jungle. The limited space resulting from haphazard material placement forced the underslung load to be positioned too close to the helicopter and out of the pilot-in-command's line of sight, contributing to the accident sequence.
Conclusions
The report concluded that better coordination between stakeholders and improved management of materials near landing points are needed. The accident was classified as an External Load Related Occurrence.
Safety Recommendations
The helicopter operator was recommended to ensure comprehensive joint briefings for all stakeholders involved in such tasks, emphasizing safety aspects of helicopter underslung operations, minimum landing point specifications, and the condition that tasking would not proceed if specifications are unmet.