Malyasian Navy Helicopters Midair Collision and Crash
Royal Malaysian Navy Helicopters Collide in Midair, No Survivors
On April 23, 2024, two Royal Malaysian Navy helicopters experienced a fatal midair collision during a rehearsal for the upcoming Navy Day celebrations, scheduled to start on May 3.
The incident occurred at 09:30 local time in Malaysia, causing both helicopters to crash. Tragically, none of the crew members on board survived. One of the helicopters’ rotors struck the other, leading to the crash and the loss of all personnel.
The Augusta Westland AW139 Maritime Operations Helicopter (HOM) M503-3 carried seven people, while the Eurocopter Fennec M502-6 had three on board. Both helicopter crews were practicing for the Navy Day festivities, intended to commemorate the achievements of the Royal Malaysian Navy.
Royal Malaysian Navy AW139
– Max Gross Weight: 6,400 kg (14,110 lb)
– Increased Gross Weight: 6,800/7,000 kg (14,991/15,432 lb)
– Powerplant: 2 x Pratt & Whitney PT6C-67C Turboshafts with FADEC
– Overall Length (rotors turning): 16.66 m (54 ft 08 in)
– Overall Height (rotors turning): 4.98 m (16 ft 04 in)
– Rotor Diameter: 13.8 m (45 ft 03 in)
– Capacity: Crew 1-2, Passengers up to 15
– Max Cruise Speed (@5,000 FT, ISA, MGW, MCP): 306 km/h (165 kt)
– HIGE (Hovering In Ground Effect): 4,672 m (15,327 ft)
– HOGE (Hovering Out of Ground Effect): 2,476 m (8,123 ft)
– Max Range (@5,000 FT, ISA, MGW, with auxiliary fuel tank, no reserve): 1,187 km (641 nm)
– Max Endurance (@5,000 FT, ISA, MGW, with auxiliary fuel tank, no reserve): 5 h 38 min
Royal Malaysian Navy Eurocopter Fennec Helicopter
– Max Gross Weight: 2,250 kg (4,960 lb)
– Powerplant: 1 × Turbomeca Arriel 2B turboshaft
– Overall Length (rotors turning): 12.94 m (42 ft 6 in)
– Overall Height (rotors turning): 3.34 m (10 ft 11 in)
– Rotor Diameter: 10.69 m (35 ft 1 in)
– Capacity: Crew 2, Passengers 4
– Max Cruise Speed: 246 km/h (133 kt)
– Max Range: 648 km (350 nm)
