10 killed after 2 Malaysian navy choppers collide mid-air

A video of the incident shows one of the helicopters clipping the rotor of the other aircraft before the two crash into the ground. PHOTOS: The Star/Asia News Network

PETALING JAYA — No survivors were found at the crash site involving two Royal Malaysian Navy (TLDM) helicopters in Lumut, Perak on Tuesday (April 23).

All 10 crew members perished after their helicopters collided during training at the TLDM stadium in Lumut, Perak.

According to a statement from the navy, an investigation board will be set up to probe the incident.

“The bodies have been taken to the naval base hospital in Lumut for identification purposes,” it said.

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According to the Housing and Local Government Ministry, the two helicopters were undergoing a flypast rehearsal for the TLDM Fleet Open Day scheduled at the base in May.

A video of the incident showed one of the helicopters clipping the rotor of the other aircraft before the two crashed into the ground.

The two helicopters involved were a Eurocopter AS555SN Fennec, and an Agusta-Westland AW-139.

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The Agusta crashed on the stairs at the TLDM stadium while the Fennec helicopter crashed into the swimming pool in the sports complex.

The two aircraft, which had earlier set up from Sitiawan field at 9.03am, crashed during training for a flyover for the 90th Naval Day celebration.

It is believed that a three-man crew was manning the Fennec helicopter while there were seven crew onboard the Agusta helicopter.