KUALA LUMPUR: The two helicopters which collided in Lumut and claimed the lives of 10 people were airworthy.
This was among the findings by the Royal Malaysian Navy in its preliminary report into the crash which happened on April 23.
In a statement today, the Navy also said the crew involved were also fit to fly.
"The flight qualifications of the crew members involved were valid and had not expired.
"The weather conditions on the day of the incident were good and suitable for flight, " the report read.
Both aircraft had undergone their scheduled maintenance checks, according to the procedures and routines set by the original equipment manufacturer (OEM).
While the AW139 Maritime Operations Helicopter (HOM) aircraft was equipped with a multi purpose flight data recorder (black box), the 21-year-old Fennec aircraft built in 2003 did not.
The Navy added that the analysed data from the HOM AW139 aircraft's black box from the OEM was received on May 3 for further evaluation from the investigation board.
"The investigation board comprises nine Navy officers who specialise in aviation and engineering. The board also has assistance from the Air Force's Directorate-General Technical Airworthiness and medical doctors from the armed forces.
"We also consulted the cooperation, expertise and views from the OEMs, namely Leonardo Helicopter and Airbus Helicopter to complete the investigations, including a full analysis of the black box recording of the HOM aircraft."
It added that the investigation would continue to identify the cause of the accident, including reanalysing the flight profile on the day of the incident through flight simulators and real aircraft.
The Navy would also seek help and insight from Airbus Helicopter for data on the Fennec aircraft equipment that can aid with the investigation.
A final report on the incident is expected to be completed on May 29, 2024.
"The Navy assures that this investigation is carried out transparently and comprehensively to identify the real cause of the incident.
"We will continue to strive to ensure that the welfare aspects of the victims' families are well-managed, especially in relation to rewards and benefits according to their respective qualifications," the report added.
Two helicopters, an AugustaWestland AW139 HOM and a Eurocopter Fennec, had collided during a mid-air manouevre during a flypast training for the Navy's 90th anniversary celebrations.
There were no survivors in the tragedy.