21-8-2023 (KUALA LUMPUR) The cockpit voice recorder (CVR) from the aircraft that crashed near Shah Alam on Thursday (Aug 17) has been sent to a laboratory in Singapore for analysis, according to Transport Minister Anthony Loke.
Loke explained that the Malaysian Air Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) encountered difficulties in extracting data from the charred CVR, although the memory puck remained intact. As a result, experts in Singapore will assist in retrieving the data from the final 30 minutes of voice recording leading up to the crash.
Since Malaysia lacks the necessary equipment to extract the data, the memory puck was transported to Singapore on Sunday. The Transport Safety Investigation Bureau of Singapore will collaborate with Malaysian authorities in retrieving and analyzing the data.
During a press conference held after attending the ministry’s “Semarak Merdeka” ceremony and monthly assembly on Monday, Loke requested that all parties allow the authorities sufficient time to analyze the recording. Although the duration of the analysis remains uncertain, Loke assured that efforts are underway to expedite the process, while acknowledging the technical challenges involved. AAIB head Tan Chee Kee has traveled to Singapore to oversee the retrieval of the data.
Loke further mentioned that a preliminary investigation report on the crash, prepared by the AAIB with assistance from the United States National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), will be released within a month. The involvement of NTSB representatives in the probe is due to the aircraft’s registration in the United States.
The Beechcraft 390 Premier 1 aircraft, en route from Langkawi to Subang, crashed onto the Guthrie Highway at approximately 2:50 pm on Aug 17, resulting in the tragic loss of all eight individuals on board, including Pahang state executive councillor Datuk Seri Johari Harun. Additionally, an e-hailing driver and a delivery rider on the highway lost their lives in the incident.
