Bell helicopters: Three crashes in a year is many
Tony ThienPublished: Jul 29, 2005 4:04 PM | Updated: Jan 29, 2008 6:21 PM
Three Bell 206 Lone Ranger helicopters crashing over a period of one year in Sarawak is 'quite many', said its manufacturer.
However the aircraft manufacturer says its products are of the best quality and that the 206 Lone Ranger model is suited for Sarawak's mountainous terrain.
Three Bell 206 Lone Ranger helicopters crashing over a period of one year in Sarawak is 'quite many', said its manufacturer.
However, Singapore-based Bell Helicopter Asia (Pte) Ltd denied claims that the seven-seat aircraft is not suitable for Sarawak's mountainous terrain.
"Bell has been present in Sarawak for nearly three decades, and we also have Bell helicopters under Sabah Air," said its regional sales and marketing manager Bill Jordon in an e-mail communique today.
"Our helicopters are also operating in many other countries with a similar environment," he added.
Gordon was asked to comment on the latest incident in which a Bell 206 LR belonging to Sarawak government-owned Hornbill Skyways crashed in Ulu Balleh near the Indonesian border on Tuesday.
There were four people on board. Search and rescue missions are currently underway and it has been reported that there could be survivors.
Reliable and safe
"Bell does not comment on incidents while investigations are on-going. This includes speculation or comment about the operating company," said Gordon.
"If the investigation of any of the incidents referred to is complete I would direct the reporter to the report for his information," he added.
Gordon also stated that Bell Helicopter is focused on the safety of its aircraft.
"The 206 series has accumulated millions of flying hours over the years and is proven to be a reliable and safe aircraft. We firmly stand behind the safety of our products," he added.
He said Bell had not been invited to the latest crash.
"The invitation if any has to come from the Department of Civil Aviation," he added.
According to the Bell helicopter website, the Longer Ranger IV model comes with all the best features, coupled with a stretched cabin and more powerful engine.
"The power margin makes it ideal for operating in hot weather and high altitude environments," it read.
Last July, a Hornbill Skyways' Bell 206 LR went down in the Bario Highlands, killing all on board, including state assistant minister Dr Jakson Sakai Tagah.
Two months later a similar helicopter belonging to the same company went down in Samarahan, near Kuching.
There were no survivors and among those killed were a private secretary to a deputy chief minister and the bodyguard of a federal minister.
TONY THIEN is malaysiakini's Sarawak-based stringer.
However, Singapore-based Bell Helicopter Asia (Pte) Ltd denied claims that the seven-seat aircraft is not suitable for Sarawak's mountainous terrain.
"Bell has been present in Sarawak for nearly three decades, and we also have Bell helicopters under Sabah Air," said its regional sales and marketing manager Bill Jordon in an e-mail communique today.
"Our helicopters are also operating in many other countries with a similar environment," he added.
Gordon was asked to comment on the latest incident in which a Bell 206 LR belonging to Sarawak government-owned Hornbill Skyways crashed in Ulu Balleh near the Indonesian border on Tuesday.
There were four people on board. Search and rescue missions are currently underway and it has been reported that there could be survivors.
Reliable and safe
"Bell does not comment on incidents while investigations are on-going. This includes speculation or comment about the operating company," said Gordon.
"If the investigation of any of the incidents referred to is complete I would direct the reporter to the report for his information," he added.
Gordon also stated that Bell Helicopter is focused on the safety of its aircraft.
"The 206 series has accumulated millions of flying hours over the years and is proven to be a reliable and safe aircraft. We firmly stand behind the safety of our products," he added.
He said Bell had not been invited to the latest crash.
"The invitation if any has to come from the Department of Civil Aviation," he added.
According to the Bell helicopter website, the Longer Ranger IV model comes with all the best features, coupled with a stretched cabin and more powerful engine.
"The power margin makes it ideal for operating in hot weather and high altitude environments," it read.
Last July, a Hornbill Skyways' Bell 206 LR went down in the Bario Highlands, killing all on board, including state assistant minister Dr Jakson Sakai Tagah.
Two months later a similar helicopter belonging to the same company went down in Samarahan, near Kuching.
There were no survivors and among those killed were a private secretary to a deputy chief minister and the bodyguard of a federal minister.
TONY THIEN is malaysiakini's Sarawak-based stringer.
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