Malaysia

[UPDATED] Missing chopper pilot found alive near Bidor by rescuers: Wee

Authorities working on moving him safely to hospital in Ipoh for treatment, says transport minister

Updated 1 year ago · Published on 12 Sep 2022 9:31AM

[UPDATED] Missing chopper pilot found alive near Bidor by rescuers: Wee
Pictured here is an Eurocopter EC120B, also known as ‘Hummingbird’, similar to the missing chopper whose pilot has been found. – Zulkifle Che Abdullah Facebook pic, September 12, 2022

KUALA LUMPUR – The missing helicopter pilot has been found alive by search and rescue (SAR) teams near Bidor at 8.20am today.

According to Transport Minister Datuk Seri Wee Ka Siong, the rescuers are working on recovery and moving the pilot safely to a hospital in Ipoh to be treated.

In a brief Facebook post, the minister said he was informed of the development by the Civil Aviation Authority Malaysia (CAAM), and thanked the rescue teams deployed by the air force, police, and fire and rescue department.

The SAR operation resumed at 8am today to continue the search for the lone pilot who lost contact with the Kuala Lumpur Air Traffic Control Centre yesterday.

Perak police chief Datuk Mohd Yusri Hassan Basri had said an operations room was activated at the Bidor police station, with a total strength of 11 officers and 68 personnel consisting of police, including its air units and General Operations Force, Fire and Rescue Department as well as the Forestry Department.

“A helicopter was dispatched at 4pm to organise a search mission in the lower Perak border area.

Perak police chief Datuk Mohd Yusri Hassan Basri (second left) had said an operations room was activated at the Bidor police station, with a total strength of 11 officers and 68 personnel consisting of police, including its air units and General Operations Force, Fire and Rescue Department as well as the Forestry Department. – Bernama pic, September 12, 2022
Perak police chief Datuk Mohd Yusri Hassan Basri (second left) had said an operations room was activated at the Bidor police station, with a total strength of 11 officers and 68 personnel consisting of police, including its air units and General Operations Force, Fire and Rescue Department as well as the Forestry Department. – Bernama pic, September 12, 2022

“We received information from people hearing an explosion at Jeram Mengkuang, and some said a helicopter was flying low in the Kg Kenangan area.”

Much of the SAR efforts were concentrated in the Chikus Forest Reserve, and areas with the information provided by the public.

The victim’s identity had yet to be ascertained but based on information from the CAAM, only one pilot was involved and there were no passengers.

It is understood that the pilot is a foreigner and that the helicopter is owned by an individual with the title of Datuk.

Yesterday, Wee, at a press conference, said that the Eurocopter aircraft, privately owned, lost contact at approximately 12.16pm and the aircraft’s last known location was a forest area near Bidor.

The helicopter was scheduled to land at Sultan Azlan Shah Airport here at 12.37pm after departing from Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport, Subang, at 11.37am.

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 yesterday.

The chopper, with the registration marking N409HH, was operated by Heli Outpost Sdn Bhd. – The Vibes, September 12, 2022

Related News

Malaysia / 1w

M'sian army expected to receive first Black Hawk helicopter in April

Malaysia / 8mth

Fire Dept helicopter crashes in Subang, all on board safe

World / 1y

Helicopter crash in Brazil kills four

World / 1y

British couple among four killed in Australian chopper crash

World / 1y

Two choppers collide mid-air in Australia, killing four

Malaysia / 1y

Fire Dept readies helicopters, drones as monsoon looms

Spotlight

Events

UK alumni lauded for stellar achievements as British Council observes 75 years in Malaysia

Malaysia

Don’t let politicians, activists stir up hatred against KK Mart, PBK tells cops

By The Vibes Team

Malaysia

7.7 mil people registered in Padu, 2.5 mil cyberattacks, but not one success: Rafizi

By Stephen Then

Malaysia

Farewell Aunty Bersih, you will be missed

By Ian McIntyre

Malaysia

Couple make two trips to workshop to find trapped kitten in car

Malaysia

KK Mart founder, director charged with wounding religious feelings of others over 'Allah' socks

By The Vibes Team

You may be interested

Malaysia

Muhyiddin files for leave to review Court of Appeal ruling reinstating power abuse charges

Malaysia

Forest fires at Sarawak-Brunei border the size of 220 football fields

By Stephen Then

Malaysia

Penang’s iconic Komtar set to undergo major make-over

By Ian McIntyre

Malaysia

Nuzul Al-Quran: PM calls on Muslims to analyse, interpret the Quran

Malaysia

Sabah polls: We will let BN leadership decide on partners, says Bung

By Jason Santos

Malaysia

Najib called the shots on SRC matters, including RM4 bil KWAP loan: ex-director

Malaysia

Review of taxation structure, SARA among focus of parliament today

Malaysia

MCA Youth latest to condemn petrol bomb attack at KK Mart outlet

By The Vibes Team