AN army helicopter was forced to make an emergency landing at Kem Mahkota Kluang, reported the New Straits Times.
The report said the army communications cell had confirmed that the incident occurred at 1.35am today.
In its statement, the army confirmed that an M81-11 (Agusta A109H) aircraft made an emergency landing during a night training session for the aviation basic officers’ course at the Kluang Airstrip of the 881 Army Air Force Regiment.
“This incident involved 3 crew consisting of a helicopter trainer, a course trainee and a quartermaster crew.
“All the crew involved were conscious and the preliminary results of the medical examination have identified several injuries suffered by officers and members,” it said, adding that among the injuries sustained are spinal fractures.
The crew were taken to Enche Besar Hajjah Khalsom Hospital, Kluang, for further treatment and are in stable condition.
Following this morning’s incident, the army had temporarily grounded the M81-11 helicopters.
“Rectification and one-time inspections will be done to restore the flying status of these aircraft immediately,” the statement said, adding that a board of inquiry will be convened to identify the cause of the incident. – June 28, 2024.