Police widen helicopter crash probe to refuelling operations and flight timeline

Police have broadened their investigation into the helicopter crash at Long Lellang in Baram, Sarawak, to include an examination of refuelling operations and the aircraft's complete flight timeline. The move represents a significant expansion of the probe as investigators seek to identify potential factors that may have contributed to the accident.

Investigators are now focusing on the refuelling site where the aircraft was serviced prior to the crash, examining maintenance records, fuel quality documentation, and operational procedures to determine whether any irregularities occurred during the process. Officials are also reconstructing the helicopter's flight path and timeline to establish when the aircraft departed and the sequence of events that followed.

The investigation encompasses coordination between multiple agencies to review technical aspects of the aircraft operations. Authorities have not disclosed whether any preliminary findings have identified mechanical issues or other factors related to the crash.

The Long Lellang incident has prompted heightened scrutiny of helicopter safety procedures in the remote interior regions of Sarawak, where such aircraft provide critical transport links to isolated communities. Officials said the investigation remains ongoing and that further details would be released once the inquiry progresses.