![[UPDATED] Private chopper goes missing over Bidor: Wee](https://media.thevibes.com/images/uploads/covers/_large/20220911_Eurocopter_EC120B_hummingbird_zulkifle_che_abdullah_facebook_pic_use.jpg)
KUALA LUMPUR – A helicopter with a pilot in command onboard is believed to have gone missing over Bidor, Perak today, said Transport Minister Datuk Seri Wee Ka Siong.
Wee said the chopper, operated by a local company, took off from Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport, Subang, Selangor at 11.37am for a private flight and was scheduled to land at 12.37pm at Sultan Azlan Shah Airport, Ipoh.
However, the helicopter lost contact with Kuala Lumpur Air Traffic Control Centre at 12.16pm.
“The CAAM (Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia), with the assistance of the Bidor police, has activated a search and rescue operation to determine the location of the helicopter according to procedure,” he said in a Facebook post.
“CAAM will issue a full press release on this soon.
“I wish our personnel good luck in the search and pray for the best.”
The chopper is believed to have been “grounded” somewhere between Bidor and Langkap, Wee was later quoted as saying by The Star.
The CAAM meanwhile said the helicopter, an Eurocopter EC120B model, also known as “Hummingbird”, had recorded a sharp loss of altitude.
“The on-duty air traffic control officer tried to make contact with the pilot. However, there was no distress call made.
“Review from the radar readings indicated a large loss of altitude in less than one minute,” CAAM chief executive officer Datuk Captain Chester Voo said in a statement.
The chopper, with the registration marking N409HH, was operated by Heli Outpost Sdn Bhd.
The Kuala Lumpur Aeronautical Rescue Coordination Centre was immediately activated to determine the location of the helicopter, he added, and Royal Malaysian Air Force and Royal Malaysia Police choppers are currently conducting search and rescue efforts. – The Vibes, September 11, 2022
