London Daily

Focus on the big picture.
Tuesday, Apr 29, 2025

Cause of Plane Crash That Killed Politicians Revealed After 47 Years

Cause of Plane Crash That Killed Politicians Revealed After 47 Years

The Nomad plane crashed nose-first into the seabed on approach to landing in Sabah state capital Kota Kinabalu, killing all 10 passengers and the pilot.
Malaysia finally declassified a report on a 1976 plane crash that killed several top state politicians, revealing that the Australian-made turboprop was loaded improperly, causing the pilot to lose control. There was no evidence of aircraft malfunction, sabotage, fire or an explosion.

The Nomad plane, made by the Government Aircraft Factories of Australia, crashed nose-first into the seabed on approach to landing in Sabah state capital Kota Kinabalu, killing all 10 passengers and the pilot, according to the 21-page report released Wednesday.

The June 6 crash, known as Double Six because of the date, killed Sabah's Chief Minister Tun Fuad Stephens and the state's housing and local government minister, finance minister and minister for communication and public works, according to Malaysian news agency Bernama.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said earlier this month that the report would be released, in response to demands from relatives of the victims and the wider public. Officials haven't explained why it was classified for so long.

According to the crash report, the 42-year-old pilot of the Sabah Air plane wasn't under the influence of drugs or alcohol, but one of his previous log books was reported to be burnt, while another was stolen. Records show his performance and training record were "poor" and "marginal," the report said. While the pilot was "reasonably fit," evidence suggests he was tired and had a stomach disorder.

The aircraft was equipped for two pilots, but one of them was removed so that a 10th passenger could get on the plane in Labuan, occupying the co-pilot's seat. The aircraft was carrying luggage from another flight that departed earlier, and incorrect loading affected its center of gravity, according to the report. The pilot didn't notice the incorrect distribution of the load when he took off, it said.

The investigation team included officials from Malaysia's Civil Aviation Department and Air Force, as well as Australian Department of Transport officials. The crash report was prepared on Jan. 25, 1977.
Newsletter

Related Articles

0:00
0:00
Close
Liverpool Clinches Record-Equalling 20th English League Title Under Arne Slot
Singapore Politicians Warn Against Foreign Interference in Election
Driver Ploughs into Vancouver Festival Crowd, Killing Nine
Depression, Fear of Defamation, and a Tragic End: New Details on Virginia Giuffre’s Suicide
“Sharia for UK, Allah Akbar!”
Massive Explosion at Iran's Bandar Abbas Port Linked to Suspicious Chemical Shipments
Incident Reflection: A Harsh Reality Check
Pakistani migrants to Danish man: “ “We have 5 children while you have 1 or 2. In 10 years, there will be more Pakistanis than Danes here.“
Clashes Erupt in London as Tensions Rise Between Indian and Pakistani Communities
Specialized anti-drone weapons deployed among security personnel Ahead of Papal Funeral
How do you fix this culture?
Corrupted from Within: How Deep State Power and Unelected Judges Hijacked Democracy Against the Will of the People
President Trump and Ukrainian President Zelensky just held an impromptu discussion on the sidelines of Pope Francis' funeral in Rome.
World Leaders Gather in Rome for Pope Francis's Funeral
Pope Francis Laid to Rest in Rome as World Leaders Attend Funeral
Alberta's Push for Independence Raises Questions About Canada's National Unity
Virginia Giuffre, Prince Andrew and Jeffrey Epstein accuser, dies by suicide
"China has survived for five thousand years, most of it without the United States as a market, and it can easily continue to survive without the U.S. market for another five thousand years — no problem," said a China analyst.
Elites vs. America: How Democrats Lost the Plot and the People
Pam Bondi Details Wisconsin Judge’s Actions Before Arrest: 'Can't Make This Up'
Not Child’s Play: How Competitive Gaming Became a Global Economic Empire
California Surpasses Japan to Become the World’s Fourth-Largest Economy
Peter Navarro: The Man Behind Trump’s Tariff Madness
Milwaukee Judge Arrested on Allegations of Aiding Undocumented Immigrant’s Escape
Former U.S. Congressman George Santos sentenced to eighty-seven months for wide-ranging fraud
Trump administration moves to BAN essentially ALL artificial food dyes in the USA food supply at RFK Jr.'s direction
Woman slaps man at sports game and gets herself and husband beat up
Pope Francis: head of the Catholic church who pushed for social and economic justice
China do not pay these tariffs - you pay it. This is new 145% tax you pay to the US government.
Nightlife in the streets of Manchester
In God We Profit
Cultural Battles in the Vatican: The Candidates in the Battle for the Holy See and Pope Francis's Testament
Global Leaders Pay Tribute to Pope Francis Following His Death
Wild Chimpanzees Observed Bonding Over Alcoholic Fruit
US Federal Reserve Chair Issues Warning on Tariff Impact
UK Prison Officers Demand Electric Stun Guns Amid Safety Concerns
China, China, China!
Australian National Charged as Mercenary for Fighting in Ukraine
Israel Considers Limited Strikes on Iran's Nuclear Facilities Amid Diplomatic Efforts
Prince Andrew Joins Royal Family Attends Easter Sunday Service at Windsor Castle
Saudi Arabia Offers Max Verstappen Unprecedented Deal to Join Aston Martin
Global Pistachio Shortage Amid Rising Demand for 'Dubai Chocolate'
Trump is assembling a coalition of Western leaders aligned with the MAGA vision, strengthening a unified front for global change
IMF Predicts No Global Recession Amid Trade Tensions
Here’s a police officer with a brilliant gift for swift education
"Some complain that we put thousands in prison. In reality, we set millions free."
This is Vienna, Austria in 2025.
Boeing Jet Returns to US from China Amid Tariff War
Canadian Federal Election: Candidates' Positions on US-Canada Relations and Donald Trump
Resentencing Hearing for Menendez Brothers Who Killed Their Parents Delayed Amid Legal Disputes
×