In a devastating incident that has sent shockwaves through the aviation community, the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) has confirmed a tragic plane crash near Elmina, Shah Alam.
The aircraft, a Beechcraft Model 390 (Premier 1) with the registration number N28JV, was carrying six passengers and two flight crew members, according to The New Straits Times.
NST added that among the dead is the Pahang state executive council member Johari Harun, who was among the 6 passengers killed in the air crash.
The details surrounding this unfortunate event have raised questions and concerns, prompting the activation of the Kuala Lumpur Aeronautical Rescue Coordination Centre (KL ARCC) for a search and rescue mission. Here’s what we know so far.
The Fateful Flight
The ill-fated aircraft, operated by Jetvalet Sdn Bhd, embarked on its journey from Langkawi International Airport with a destination of Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport in Subang. Departing at 2:08 p.m., the flight seemed routine until a series of distressing events unfolded.
A Mysterious Silence
The Malay Mail reported that according to CAAM chief executive officer Datuk Captain Norazman Mahmud, the first contact with Subang Air Traffic Control Tower occurred at 2:47 p.m. The subsequent moments would be critical, as landing clearance was issued at 2:48 p.m.
However, at 2:51 p.m., an unsettling observation was made: smoke was seen billowing from the direction of the crash site, yet no distress call or mayday signal had been transmitted from the aircraft.
Eyewitnesses reported seeing the plane suddenly falling to the ground and exploding.
Uncertainty and Rescue Efforts
As the news of the crash spread, the Kuala Lumpur Aeronautical Rescue Coordination Centre (KL ARCC) swung into action. This specialized team was activated to spearhead the search and rescue operation, racing against time to locate any survivors and provide assistance.
The conditions of the passengers and crew remained unknown, leaving loved ones and authorities anxiously awaiting updates.
Pending Investigation
While the immediate focus was on the rescue mission, CAAM has also highlighted the importance of understanding the circumstances that led to this tragedy.
Norazman Mahmud emphasized that a safety investigation would be conducted by the Air Accident Investigation Bureau under the Transport Ministry.
This comprehensive inquiry, conducted in accordance with Part XXVI of the Civil Aviation Regulations 2016, aims to uncover the root causes and contributing factors behind the crash.
As the aviation community and the nation as a whole grapple with the loss, questions naturally arise. The absence of a distress call and the suddenness of the crash raise perplexing queries about the sequence of events leading up to the tragedy.
FULL VIDEO LOADING… (Warning: graphic images)
Elmina Plane Crash pic.twitter.com/kqP5BAdRfC
— ha3MaN (@ghaeman) August 17, 2023
On my way to meeting Sime Darby. All road to Elmina West are closed. Private jet terhempas. 3 penumpang. Satu penunggang motor jadi mangsa
— myD, Taiteh & Choè (@azmilwhoruns) August 17, 2023
📍 Elmina West pic.twitter.com/dKYFfMaaw9
Header images sources: @ghaeman and @azmilwhoruns on Twitter