INTERNATIONAL investigators from the United States and Canada are part of a "special" investigation currently being undertaken together with the Royal Brunei Air Force (RBAirF) in determining the cause of the RBAirF Bell 212 helicopter crash in Ulu Belait.
The Ministry of Defence (MinDef), in a press release yesterday, stated that investigations began last Saturday and is being supervised by the RBAirF.
It also stated that a preliminary report has been "submitted to the highest level of Board of Inquiry" which is led by First Admiral Dato Seri Pahlawan Hj Abd Halim Hj Mohd Hanifah, Commander of the Royal Brunei Navy.
On the other hand, Bell Helicopter has expressed their condolences in regards to the incident. In an email interview with The Brunei Times, Bell Helicopter's Corporate Public Relations Manager William Schroeder said "Bell Helicopter extends its deepest condolences to the family and friends of the Bruneian Air Force aviators lost in the accident at Ulu Belait.
"Bell Helicopter is standing by to provide whatever technical assistance necessary to understand what may have caused this accident."
Since investigations on the incident are still ongoing, he said that it would be "inappropriate" for Bell Helicopter to comment on the process.
The aircraft carried 14 military personnel, 12 of whom were killed.
The Brunei Times
Bell helicopter booth during the Bridex 2011, held at Bridex complex, Jerudong. Picture: BT file
Friday, July 27, 2012
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