History of the Flight
On 1 January 2021, a Robinson R66 helicopter, registration 9M-SAW, operated by My Heli Club, departed Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport, Subang, at approximately 0800 local time. The flight plan included stops at Port Klang and Pulau Indah before returning. The purpose was a demonstration flight for a potential buyer, with the left-seat pilot, a Qualified Helicopter Instructor (QHI), acting as pilot-in-command (PIC). The right-seat pilot was an ordinary club member.
Upon reaching Pulau Indah, the PIC decided to perform approaches to a vacant lot with a surface of levelled compacted gravel. The first approach was uneventful, followed by some hover manoeuvres. A second approach terminated in a high hover at 10–15 ft, then a lower hover at 3–5 ft. During the subsequent landing attempt, the PIC admitted overcontrolling the cyclic slightly to the left and aft. A loud bang from the rear was heard, and the helicopter bounced left before toppling over, coming to rest on its left side.
Injuries to Persons
Both occupants were injured. The right-seat pilot sustained light injuries (cuts and bruises) and egressed via the starboard door, then assisted the PIC, who had more serious injuries, to exit with help from villagers. The PIC suffered a broken left collarbone, fractured ribs (1 through 7 on the left side), and experienced high blood pressure. No ground injuries occurred.
Damage to Aircraft
The tail boom was severed by the rotor blades and displaced approximately 30 m from the main wreckage. Numerous shallow impact and scuff marks were found in the gravel. The helicopter was recovered and transported to the responsible Approved Maintenance Organisation (AMO) for further assessment. No post-impact fire occurred despite some fuel leakage.
Other Relevant Information
Weather at the time was clear with light and variable winds. No distress calls were made; the right-seat pilot used a mobile phone to alert emergency services after egress. Police, Fire and Rescue, and an ambulance arrived within minutes. Both pilots were taken to Hospital Tengku Ampuan Rahimah in Klang. The operator, My Heli Club, is a non-commercial society approved to offer private pilot licence (helicopter) training. The helicopter was not equipped with flight recorders, nor was it mandated.
Analysis and Conclusion
The investigation noted that the PIC had full control during the flight. The sequence of events is consistent with dynamic rollover, where a helicopter pivots about its skid while close to the ground. However, the official report does not state a definitive probable cause.