What happened
On the morning of 8 November 2020, two Guimbal Cabri G2 helicopters, registered as 9M-HCA and 9M-HCB, were conducting a formation flight near Kuala Lumpur. The aircraft, operated by My Heli Club, had departed from Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport earlier that morning with an intended route passing through Batu Caves and Genting Sempah.
At approximately 1145 LT, the two aircraft collided over the Taman Melawati area. The impact caused severe damage to the rotor system of 9M-HCB, forcing the pilot into an immediate autorotation. The helicopter subsequently crash-landed on a road shoulder, resulting in two fatalities among its occupants.
In contrast, the pilot of 9M-HCA managed to maintain control of the aircraft despite damage to the landing skids. The pilot successfully executed an emergency landing in a nearby school field, and the two occupants of that aircraft escaped without injury.
The investigation
An investigation by the AAIB examined the wreckage of both aircraft and the flight history of the group. The investigation established that the two helicopters were flying in company, using the callsign 'My Heli Combined'. The lead aircraft, 9M-HCB, was responsible for all radio communications with Air Traffic Control.
Physical examination of the wreckage of 9M-HCB revealed that the main rotor blades suffered extensive damage, including delamination and structural failure of the leading edges. The impact forces were so significant that the aircraft's landing skids and high-energy absorbing seats exceeded their design limits. The investigation also noted that while the aircraft's fuel bladder remained intact, the tail section and various structural components were severely compromised.
Findings
- The mid-air collision between the two aircraft was the primary cause of the accident.
- The impact caused the separation and severe destruction of the main rotor blades on **9M-HC and the subsequent loss of control.
- The high vertical deceleration forces during the crash of 9M-HCB led to the structural failure of the landing gear and cabin seating.
- Meteorological conditions at the time were overcast with light winds, but visibility remained sufficient for flight.