A small aircraft crashed in Malaysia’s Selangor state with eight people on board on Thursday, according to the country’s civil aviation authority.
The condition of the six passengers and two crew members on board the Beechcraft Model 390 (Premier 1) aircraft could not immediately be confirmed, and a search and rescue mission was underway, as stated by the civil aviation chief in a statement.
The aircraft took off from Subang Airport at 12:15 p.m. local time and was en route to Kuantan Airport in Pahang state, according to the statement.
The aircraft lost contact with air traffic control at 12:40 p.m. and subsequently crashed near Kampung Sungai Rambai, approximately 40 kilometers from Subang Airport.
The aircraft was owned by a private company called Awan Inspirasi Sdn Bhd, which offers charter flights and medical evacuation services.
The company stated that it was collaborating with the authorities and extended its condolences to the families of the passengers and crew.
While the company did not disclose the identities or nationalities of those on board, it confirmed that they were employees and clients of the company.
The company also announced the suspension of all its operations until further notice.
The cause of the crash is currently under investigation by the civil aviation authority, police, and fire department.
The civil aviation chief mentioned that the aircraft possessed a valid airworthiness certificate and had undergone regular maintenance.
Weather conditions were reported as favorable at the time of the crash, and no distress signal was received from the aircraft.
The investigation team will analyze the wreckage, interview witnesses, and review the flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder. The investigation is anticipated to take several months to complete, and the public is urged not to speculate on the cause of the crash.
