Five people were killed when a Layang-Layang Aerospace BO-105 helicopter, registered 9M-LLF, crashed near Long Lellang STOLport in Sarawak on Tuesday, September 8. The aircraft was operating a Flying Doctor Service mission carrying medical personnel to remote communities.
Malaysia’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAAM) said the accident occurred close to the airfield as the helicopter arrived from Miri.
Pilot and four healthcare workers killed
Local authorities and Malaysia’s Health Ministry confirmed the victims were the pilot, a doctor, a medical assistant and two nurses. The remains of all five occupants were recovered.
The helicopter was operated by Layang-Layang Aerospace. Parent company HUBLine confirmed on September 9 that the aircraft was conducting a Flying Doctor Service mission and that its emergency response plan had been activated.
Investigation assigned to Malaysia’s AAIB, with no cause established
The CAAM said the Air Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), under Malaysia’s Transport Ministry, would lead the investigation. At the time of publication, no cause had been established, and authorities urged against speculation until investigators had more evidence.
Long Lellang STOLport, serving a remote mountainous area of northern Sarawak, was temporarily closed to commercial operations after the crash. AirBorneo postponed two rotations between Miri and Long Lellang.
Investigators will need to examine the aircraft, weather, flight path, maintenance and operational decisions before identifying a probable cause.
Featured image: wreckage of BO-105 9M-LLF after the Long Lellang accident on September 8, 2026: credit: Sarawak Tribune.
Sources
Associated Press; Borneo Post / CAAM statement; Malay Mail / Bernama.
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