KUALA LUMPUR – The Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) has been advised to review its current regulatory framework to provide an “appropriate level” of oversight of foreign aircraft operations in Malaysia, particularly those involving overseas-licensed aircrew.
This safety recommendation to ensure safe operations was detailed by the Air Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) in its final report on last year’s fatal plane crash in Bandar Elmina, Shah Alam.
In its report released today, AAIB said CAAM’s review of its regulatory framework should include an assessment of licensing requirements, training standards, and operational protocols.
The above, AAIB said, must ensure compliance with international aviation safety standards and mitigate risks associated with foreign aircraft operations.
Both the pilot and co-pilot of the flight, a Hawker Beechcraft Model 390 (Premier 1) aircraft with an N28JV registration number, carried a United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Airline Transport Pilot licence type.
The aircraft, meanwhile, was registered in the US, with the FAA issuing a Standard Airworthiness Certificate on May 10, 2023.
Private operator Jet Valet Sdn Bhd operated the aircraft which crashed on August 17 last year, claiming the lives of two crew members, six passengers, as well as two bystanders – one motorcyclist and a motorcar driver.
Based on the report, Jet Valet also operates two other aircraft based in the Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport in Subang, carrying Koperasi Amanah Pelaburan Bhd (KAPB) members as passengers within Malaysia.
“Although the N28JV aircraft was explicitly intended to be based in Malaysia long-term, there is no evidence that the aircraft operator has taken measures to apply to CAAM for the Malaysian registration of the aircraft,” the report stated.
It added that such an application is required under the Civil Aviation Regulations 2016 for any foreign-registered aircraft operating in Malaysia for more than six months.
“Furthermore, there is no indication that the operator has applied or intends to apply for the necessary approval from CAAM for non-scheduled air services and the carriage of passengers for valuable consideration in a foreign-registered aircraft, as mandated by current civil aviation policies and regulations.”
However, it noted that the carriage of passengers or cargo for hire and reward on non-scheduled flights within Malaysia’s borders is allowable for local air operators that have a valid air service permit issued by the Malaysian Aviation Commission as well as a valid air operator certificate issued by CAAM.
Besides that, AAIB also urged Jet Valet to enhance training programmes for all crew members, emphasising proper checklist procedures, crew resource management, and the criticality of adhering to established protocols.
It said special attention should be given to system unfamiliarity and the operation of critical systems such as the lift dump system.
The investigation identified deviations from standard operating procedures, inadequate crew training, regulatory gaps, and deficiencies in communication and decision-making as contributing factors to the crash.
The bureau’s report revealed that the primary cause of the crash was the inadvertent extension of the lift dump spoilers by the flight crew when they were going through the Before Landing checklist.
“Jet Valet must ensure full compliance with civil aviation regulations, including obtaining necessary approvals for non-scheduled air services and adhering to seating protocols outlined in aircraft manuals.
“Jet Valet should review and update operational procedures to include clear warnings and briefings on critical systems, such as the lift dump system, to ensure all crew members are fully aware of associated risks and procedures for safe operation.”
KAPB and Jet Valet, it added, should implement a robust safety management system, promoting a culture of transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement.
“This includes establishing clear lines of responsibility, improving communication channels, and conducting regular safety audits and assessments.”
Among the victims of the tragic crash were Pahang Local Government, Housing, Environment, and Green Technology exco Datuk Seri Johari Harun.
The flight crashed two minutes before it was due to land at Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport in Subang after it departed from Langkawi International Airport. – August 16, 2024
