5 Killed in Long Lellang Helicopter Crash: AAIB Flags Firefighting Gaps

Quick answer: Five people died when a Flying Doctor Service helicopter crashed near Long Lellang STOLport in Sarawak on 8 September 2026. Malaysia's Air Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has now urged the airstrip operator to review rescue and firefighting arrangements, after finding that auxiliary responders tackled the fire without appropriate protective equipment.

Key facts

• What: Helicopter crash — Flying Doctor Service flight
• Where: Long Lellang Short Take-Off and Landing Port (STOLport), Miri, Sarawak, Malaysia
• When: 8 September 2026 (preliminary report published 16 October 2026)
• Reported toll: 5 killed (initial reports)
• Aircraft: Messerschmitt-Bolkow-Blohm BO105 S, registration 9M-LLF, operated by Layang-Layang Aerospace, callsign MEDIC3
• Emergency number: 999
• Status: preliminary report — final findings to follow

What happened

The helicopter was conducting a scheduled Flying Doctor Service flight when it crashed near the airstrip. A 37-second ground-based video captured its final moments, showing the aircraft in flight with a visible smoke trail and apparent flames behind the main gearbox as it approached Runway 04. The helicopter came to rest about 25 metres from the runway threshold and was destroyed by fire.

All five people on board died from severe burn injuries, according to post-mortem findings cited in the report: a 30-year-old Malaysian pilot and four Health Ministry personnel. No emergency call or distress transmission from the helicopter was recorded between departure and the crash, although all communication frequencies were operating normally.

Weather conditions near the airstrip were generally good at the time, with horizontal visibility above 10km, according to the Malaysian Meteorological Department.

What the AAIB found on firefighting

The AAIB recommended that aerodrome operator Malaysia Airports Sdn Bhd review rescue and firefighting arrangements across its STOLports, to ensure auxiliary personnel were properly trained and equipped, and that firefighting equipment and personal protective equipment were properly maintained and serviceable.

The recommendation followed findings that Malaysia Volunteers Corps Department (Rela) personnel assigned to auxiliary rescue and firefighting duties had responded to the blaze without appropriate firefighting protective equipment. Some of the available protective equipment showed visible signs of deterioration and damage, which could have affected the safety and effectiveness of the emergency response.

Responders and local villagers used 12 dry powder fire extinguishers from the STOLport terminal in an attempt to put out the flames, but the fire continued to burn for several hours.

What happens next

As an immediate safety measure, Layang-Layang Aerospace suspended operations of aircraft fitted with the same engine type pending airworthiness verification. The Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia cleared the affected aircraft to return to service on 13 September after technical reviews.

A detailed examination of the wreckage will be conducted to establish the nature and extent of the damage and, where possible, the sequence and development of the fire and ground-contact damage. Those findings will be included in the final report.

The Transport Ministry said information in the preliminary report could be revised as additional evidence emerged, and that the investigation was intended to prevent similar accidents from recurring, rather than to determine fault or liability.

Frequently asked questions

How many people died in the Long Lellang helicopter crash?

Five people died: a 30-year-old Malaysian pilot and four Health Ministry personnel. Post-mortem findings cited in the preliminary report recorded severe burn injuries.

Where did the Long Lellang helicopter crash happen?

Near Long Lellang STOLport in Miri, Sarawak, Malaysia. The helicopter came to rest about 25 metres from the threshold of Runway 04 and was destroyed by fire.

What did the AAIB preliminary report find about firefighting?

It found that auxiliary rescue and firefighting personnel responded without appropriate firefighting protective equipment, and that some protective equipment showed deterioration and damage. It urged the airstrip operator to review rescue and firefighting arrangements, training, equipment and maintenance across its STOLports.

What caused the Long Lellang helicopter crash?

The cause has not been established in the preliminary report. The report records a smoke trail and apparent flames behind the main gearbox in the helicopter's final moments, no distress transmission, and good weather. A detailed wreckage examination and the final report will address the sequence and development of the fire.

What is the emergency number in Malaysia?

Dial 999 for emergency services in Malaysia.