What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on null involved a aircraft, registration 9M-SSW, at MY.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The accident was caused by the pilot's poor decision-making and inadequate risk assessment when navigating mountainous terrain in adverse weather, specifically failing to anticipate significant updrafts and wind shifts after crossing a ridge.

Six Survive Helicopter Crash in Malaysian Jungle

All six occupants of an Airbus Helicopters AS355 F2 survived a crash into mountainous terrain in Perak, Malaysia, following severe weather encounters.

What happened

On 26 October 2022, an Airbus Helicopters AS355 F2 helicopter, registration 9M-SSW, was performing a Flying Doctor Service mission in Malaysia. After departing Kampung Gawin for Hospital Tanjung Rambutan, the pilot encountered heavy rain and cumulonimbus clouds. Seeking a path to lower ground, the pilot identified a gap in the cloud cover above a mountain ridge and attempted to navigate through it.

Upon crossing the ridge, the aircraft encountered a powerful, continuous updraft followed by unpredictable crosswinds from multiple directions. Despite the pilot's efforts to maintain control using all available power, the helicopter drifted toward a steep, jungle-covered slope. The pilot executed a controlled crash landing into the thick tree canopy. While the aircraft was a total loss, all six persons on board survived the impact, though some sustained serious injuries including fractures and dislocations.

The investigation

The AAIB investigation examined the flight path, meteorological conditions, and the aircraft's mechanical state. Investigators analyzed weather data from Ipoh, which indicated winds from a heading consistent with the pilot's flight path. The investigation also reviewed passenger accounts, which suggested that visibility dropped significantly as the aircraft became engulfed in clouds, and noted that the tail rotor may have struck trees during a turning maneuver.

Findings

The primary cause of the accident was poor decision-making by the pilot regarding risk assessment and judgment.
The pilot failed to properly account for the aerodynamic effects of the terrain, specifically the likelihood of encountering updrafts on the lee side of the ridge.
The presence of "Get-Home Syndrome"—the urge to complete a mission despite deteriorating conditions—may have influenced the decision to fly through the cloud gap.
The aircraft was found to be in good mechanical working order, and the fuel tanks remained intact throughout the impact.

Safety action

The operator was directed to implement a recurrent training program for the pilot focusing on mountain flying and operations in adverse weather.
The Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) is tasked with monitoring the operator to ensure training adheres to the required syllabus.