Introduction
A flight from Labuan to Kota Kinabalu, carrying the Prime Minister of Sabah and his delegation, crashed while on final approach. The airplane stalled at an altitude of 600 feet and a speed of 86 knots, coming down in shallow sea approximately 3 km short of the runway threshold.
Crash
The aircraft impacted water about three feet deep. It was totally destroyed, and all 11 occupants were killed.
Occupants
The deceased were identified as crew member Ghandi Nathan and passengers: Tun Fuad Stephens (Prime Minister of Sabah), Datuk Peter Mojuntin, Datuk Salleh Sulong, Chong Thien Vun, Datuk Darius Binion, Datuk Wahid Peter Andu, Dr. Syed Hussin Wafa, Datuk Ishak Atan, Johari Stephens (Tun Fuad's eldest son), and Corporal Said Mohammad (bodyguard to Tun Fuad Stephens).
Investigation
The official investigation found no evidence of technical errors or sabotage. The cause was determined to be human error, specifically that the aircraft's rear storage space was loaded with goods exceeding the maximum allowable load. This resulted in a loss of control during the landing attempt at Kota Kinabalu Airport.