Elmina crash: Engine damage before crash ruled out - prelim report

Investigation into the Aug 17 aircraft crash near Bandar Elmina in Shah Alam, Selangor has ruled out damage to the plane’s engines and pilot incapacitation as potential causes of the incident.

According to a preliminary report published by the Transport Ministry this morning, there was no sign that the Beechcraft 390 Premier 1 aircraft’s engines ingested foreign objects prior to the crash.

“Both of the engines had no evidence of blade liberation such as case dents or perforations at the compressor sections. The fan shroud also did not exhibit any evidence of blade liberation such as case dents or perforations.

“There was no evidence of foreign object ingestion, bird feathers, or matter to any of the engine components,” the report stated.

In the investigation led by the Transport Ministry's Air Accident Investigation Bureau, evidence also showed that the aircraft's pilot and co-pilot did not suffer from cockpit incapacitation.

Thus, the report said, the "hypothesis of medical causative and contributing factors to this accident may be discounted".

Both of them also possessed valid medical certificates from the Federal Aviation Administration and the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia.

"On witness account, the PIC was reported to be well the night before the accident. The witness also said that the PIC had a good rest before the flight departing from Langkawi," said the preliminary report.

Critical leads

Investigators have also managed to get an idea of what possibly happened to the flight based on audio recordings extracted from its Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR).

However, the findings will only be released in the full investigation report pending examination of all physical evidence.

“Initial analysis of the recovered CVR recording has provided critical leads to uncovering the cause of the accident, with a focus on the aircraft flight control systems.

“Results from the pending inspection and examination of the related aircraft parts and components at the NTSB and OEM laboratories are necessary to provide collaborative and/or conclusive evidence in establishing the cause of the accident,” the report stated.

The 2.50pm incident on Aug 17 saw 10 people killed when the light aircraft, operated by Jet Valet Sdn Bhd, crashed onto the Guthrie Highway near Bandar Elmina.

The victims comprised six passengers and two crew members of the plane, as well as a motorcyclist and a motorist, who were passing by the area.

Pahang state executive councillor Johari Harun was among those killed.

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