Two copters crash during training in Lumut

PETALING JAYA: Two naval helicopters crashed during training at the Royal Malaysian Navy (TLDM) stadium in Lumut, Perak on Tuesday (April 23).

A video of the incident showed one of the helicopters clipping the rotor of the other aircraft before the two crashed into the ground.

The two helicopters involved were a Eurocopter AS555SN Fennec, and an Agusta-Westland AW-139, with the tail numbers M502-6 and HOM M503-3.

The HOM crashed on the stairs at the TLDM stadium while the Fennec helicopter crashed into the swimming pool in the sports complex.

The two aircraft had set up earlier from the Sitiawan field at 9.03am and crashed during training for a flyover for the 90th Naval Day celebration.

It is believed that a three-man crew was manning the Fennec helicopter while there were seven crew onboard the HOM helicopter.

According to the Perak Fire and Rescue Services Department, all three people on board one of the helicopters are believed to be dead.

“The other helicopter was carrying seven people. Four are currently being removed from the wreckage,” said the statement.