Black box recovered from crash site, cops saying probing all possibilities

(Malay Mail Online) – Investigators have found the black box from the helicopter that crashed in Semenyih yesterday killing six people including Tan Sri Jamaluddin Jarjis, according to Selangor police.

The flight data recorder was said to be in good condition and discovered near the rest of the helicopter’s wreckage at the crash site in Semenyih.

Earlier, Deputy Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Noor Rashid Ibrahim (pic) said investigators will probe the incident from all possible angles including foul play and negligence.

“Investigations commenced yesterday itself and for now the investigation papers have been opened under the category of sudden death,” Noor Rashid was quoted as saying by national news agency Bernama.

“So far we have recorded statements from three witnesses, all of whom live in the area,” he added.

Aside from the police, the Department of Civil Aviation is also conducting an investigation into the crash in which one eyewitness claimed to see the helicopter explode mid-air.

The bodies of Jamaluddin and Datuk Azlin Alias, the prime minister’s private chief secretary, were identified this morning and released for burial.

Six people were killed in the crash of the Eurocopter AS365 N2 Dauphin owned by IGB Corp and operated by Chempaka Aviation yesterday.

According to information provided by the Royal Malaysian Air Force, the helicopter was en route from Kuantan to Sungai Besi when it crashed at approximately 4.55pm yesterday.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak has since ordered an immediate investigation into the incident.