Bentong Chopper Crash Preliminary Report Flags Hot Refuelling Safety Breaches

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 12 (Bernama) -- The preliminary report on the Feb 6 Bentong helicopter crash, which killed a ground crew member, found that both the Indonesian ground crew and the pilot of the Bell 206L4 violated Safety Working Procedures (SWP) during hot refuelling a day before the incident.

The Air Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) said video footage showed the helicopter, registration PK-ZUV, undergoing hot refuelling without adherence to the prescribed SWP.

“Based on video footage of PK-ZUV conducting hot refuelling a day before the accident, it was observed that the crew from the Lessor did not adhere to the prescribed SWP. Such non-compliance poses a potential risk and could lead to unsafe conditions.

“Figure 5, Paragraph 1.4.1 (c), (e), and (f) (of the report) clearly define the SWP for conducting hot refuelling. However, as observed in Figure 6, the helicopter operator or the Lessor failed to adhere to these procedures,” read the report, published on the Transport Ministry’s website.

Hot refuelling is the process of refuelling a helicopter with its engine running and rotor blades turning, often used by the Bell 206L4 light helicopter to meet operational and time-critical needs.

Under the SWP, this can only be done using a fuel drum and manual pump by trained personnel, who must wait at a safe distance until the helicopter lands.

Once on the ground, the pilot must maintain the correct engine revolutions per minute and lock the landing gear, allowing the crew to approach only after a clear signal, such as a thumbs-up.

The SWP further requires the crew to approach from the front or side where the pilot is visible, never from the rear due to tail rotor hazards, and to keep low without raising their hands while carrying refuelling tools.

However, video footage from the day before the crash captured unsafe actions by both the pilot and ground engineer, creating potential hazards.

“The helicopter was hovering with its rotor blades still running while moving closer to the ground engineer, who was positioned directly beneath the main rotor disc. The crew was already positioned beneath the helicopter while it was still hovering and approaching for landing, indicating a clear violation of this procedure.

“Such non-compliance poses a potential risk and could lead to unsafe conditions,” the report stated.

An Indonesian ground crew member was killed after being struck by the rotor blades, while the pilot suffered minor injuries when the helicopter crashed during a refuelling attempt near a hot spring pool at Kg Janda along the old Kuala Lumpur–Bentong road.

The Bell 206L4, engaged in aerial work for Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) since Jan 21, reportedly lost control while hovering. Its skid partially struck the landing surface, causing the aircraft to topple and burst into flames.

The post-impact fire destroyed the helicopter, leaving only the tail boom intact.

The report also found that the lessor, PT Zaveryna Utama, had failed to meet safety regulations, while the lessee, MHS Aviation Berhad, was responsible for oversight and ensuring compliance with operational requirements.

“The absence of a Safety Officer from the lessee to supervise the hot refuelling process contributed to crew complacency, further increasing operational risks,” the report added.

The report confirmed that the helicopter’s maintenance complied with all regulations and approved procedures, and that favourable weather conditions played no role in the incident.

-- BERNAMA