On the morning of April 23, 2024, a midair collision between two Malaysian Navy helicopters during a training exercise resulted in the death of all ten crew members. The fatal event took place around 9:30 a.m. local time in Lumut, where the Navy’s main base is located.
In a statement issued by the Royal Malaysian Navy, it was revealed that the helicopters involved were an Agusta Westland AW139 Maritime Operations Helicopter (HOM) and a Eurocopter Fennec. The AW139, with seven crew members aboard, crashed near the stadium’s elevated seating area within the navy complex. The Fennec, carrying three crew members, fell near a swimming pool.
The navy’s announcement confirmed the tragic loss: “All ten crew members aboard the helicopters were confirmed dead at the scene.” Prime Minister of Malaysia, Anwar Ibrahim, referred to the event as a “heart-wrenching tragedy,” assuring that a comprehensive investigation would be initiated to determine the cause of the collision.
Social media platforms carried eyewitness videos showing the moments preceding the collision, where one helicopter appeared to strike the rear rotor of the other, causing both to crash to the ground. The footage initiated an outpouring of sorrow and surprise among Malaysians and the international community alike.
The navy’s official statement noted that the helicopters were rehearsing for the upcoming Navy Day celebrations, scheduled for May 3. This event, intended to display naval strength and honor maritime heroes, has been overshadowed by the unfortunate incident.
This recent accident follows a series of aerial accidents involving Malaysian aircraft. In 2015, a helicopter crash in Selangor state resulted in the death of Jamaluddin Jarjis, Malaysia’s ambassador to the United States at the time, along with four others.
In 2016, a crash in Sarawak led to the death of six people, including the then Deputy Minister of Plantation Industries and Commodities, Noriah Kasnon. Two years later, a helicopter collision east of Kuala Lumpur claimed two lives.
Just last month, a Malaysian Coast Guard helicopter fell into the sea near Angsa Island, Malaysia, during a training flight. The pilot, co-pilot, and two passengers were rescued by local fishermen.
