2024 Lumut mid-air collision

Template:Notability Template:Infobox aircraft occurrence At approximately 09:32 MYT on 23 April 2024, a mid-air collision occurred involving two helicopters of the Royal Malaysian Navy—an AgustaWestland AW139 and a Eurocopter Fennec—above the town of Lumut, Perak. This incident took place amid preparations for a military parade marking the Royal Malaysian Navy’s 90th anniversary. All ten personnel aboard both aircraft perished; seven were on the AW139 and three on the Fennec. Investigations by Malaysian authorities concluded that pilot error was the primary cause of the accident.

Background

Situated in the western region of Malaysia's Perak state, the town of Lumut serves as the central base for the Royal Malaysian Navy.

Collision

The incident took place during a rehearsal for a military parade marking the forthcoming 90th anniversary of the Navy. During the maneuver, one helicopter's rotor came into contact with that of the other, resulting in both aircraft losing control and crashing within the Lumut Naval Base premises. The AW139 descended near the stairs adjacent to the Naval Base Stadium, while the Fennec crashed close to a swimming pool. Both helicopters were completely destroyed upon impact.

Crew and passengers

The Agusta Westland AW139, designated M503-3, was carrying four crew members alongside three passengers:

1. Commander Muhammad Firdaus bin Ramli RMN - Commanding Officer of 503 Squadron
2. Lieutenant Commander Wan Rezaudeen Kamal bin Wan Zainal Abidin RMN
3. Lieutenant Commander Mohammad Amirulfaris bin Mohamad Marzukhi RMN
4. Warrant Officer II (AQM) Muhammad Faisol bin Tamadun
5. Warrant Officer II TNL Noorfarahimi binti Mohd Saedy (Passenger)
6. Petty Officer TNL Noor Rahiza binti Anuar (Passenger)
7. Able Rate JJM Joanna Felicia anak Rohna (Passenger)

The Eurocopter Fennec, identified as M502-6, had three crew members on board:

1. Commander Muhamad Amir bin Mohamad RMN - Commanding Officer of 502 Squadron
2. Lieutenant Sivasutan a/l Thanjappan RMN
3. Warrant Officer II TMK Mohd Shahrizan bin Mohd Termizi

Aftermath

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim described the crash as a significant loss to the country and extended his sympathies to the families affected by the tragedy. He confirmed that investigations would be conducted by both the Royal Malaysian Navy and the Ministry of Defence. Meanwhile, Defence Minister Mohamed Khaled Nordin announced that the deceased would be transported to a hospital in Ipoh prior to burial according to their families' preferences. He also stated that funeral expenses would be covered by authorities, who are considering providing compensation and support benefits to the victims' families.

See also

• List of accidents and incidents involving helicopters
• List of accidents and incidents involving military aircraft (2020–present)