Malaysia suspends Flying Doctor Service flights after five people killed
In Malaysia’s state of Sarawak, Flying Doctor Service flights were suspended after a medical helicopter crashed near the runway at Long Lellang, killing five people. Health Minister Dzulkefly Ahmad announced the suspension of the service on September 10, 2026 — two days after the crash, AeroTime reports.
The BO-105 helicopter, registration number 9M-LLF, was conducting a medical mission on September 8. According to police, the route began in Miri and included several remote communities, including Long Lellang.
The deceased and investigation
Those killed in the crash were pilot Captain Zainol Afik Bi Sham, medical officer Dr. Ainul Baraah Kamaruddin, assistant medical officer Alexson Adit Henry, as well as nurses Debra Moset and Jessie Paya Jok.
A video circulated on social media shows the helicopter continuing in controlled flight while trailing thick gray smoke, before crashing and catching fire. The circumstances of the crash are being investigated by Malaysia’s Air Accident Investigation Bureau, which is part of the Ministry of Transport. Deputy Transport Minister Hasbi Habibollah said on September 11 that investigators were working at the crash site.
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Precautionary suspension of flights
Operator Layang-Layang Aerospace voluntarily suspended the operation of BO-105 helicopters and other aircraft in its fleet equipped with Rolls-Royce 250 series engines. Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia Director General Captain Norazman Mahmud stressed that this is a precautionary measure and does not confirm an engine or other component malfunction as the cause of the crash.
The authority is overseeing the operator’s inspections and reviewing documentation concerning the aircraft, operator and pilots. A preliminary report on the crash is expected within 30 days, while the final report is due within a year.
Emergency medical evacuations in Sarawak will continue in cooperation with the Fire and Rescue Department. The Ministry of Health is also discussing the possibility of involving the military to transport patients requiring urgent treatment. The review of the Flying Doctor Service will cover safety, contracts, oversight and alternative ways of reaching remote communities.
The crash also affected regular passenger flights. AirBorneo announced the temporary closure of Long Lellang aerodrome to commercial flights and rescheduled two flights between Miri and Long Lellang from September 9 to September 11.
