8 fatalities

Aircraft Strikes Slope of Mount Bukit Ibol in Sarawak (M27-01)

Lawas, MalaysiaLanding (descent or approach)

On February 3, 1986, a Cessna 402 (registration M27-01) operated by Royal Malaysian Air Force - Tentera Udara Diraja Malaysia was involved in an aviation accident near Lawas, Malaysia during landing or approach. 8 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The crew continued the descent below minimum safe altitude in low visibility until the aircraft struck the ground. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 2026-06-11Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft on approach to Labuan descended in poor visibility and struck Mount Bukit Ibol near Lawas, Sarawak. All eight occupants died.

Accident Overview

The flight departed from Sandakan Airport, bound for Labuan in the Federal Territory of Labuan. During the approach, the crew faced poor visibility attributed to adverse weather conditions. While descending at night, the aircraft impacted the slope of Mount Bukit Ibol, situated approximately 12 kilometers east of Lawas, Sarawak.

Search and Recovery

The wreckage was located the following day roughly 55 kilometers southeast of Labuan Airport. The aircraft was completely destroyed. All eight individuals on board were killed.

Probable Cause

The official investigation determined that the crew continued the descent below the minimum safe altitude in low visibility until the aircraft struck the ground.