Semenyih crash: Cockpit voice recorder reveals Aidana's active role

The Eurocopter AS365N2 Dauphin helicopter – en route from Kuantan to Subang - was carrying some key figures including Rompin MP Tan Sri Jamaluddin Jarjis, pilot Captain Clifford William Fournier, operations assistant Aidana Baizieva, Private Secretary at the Prime Minister office, Datuk Azlin Alias, Jamaluddin's bodyguard, Razakan Seran and Datuk Tan Huat Seang.

Since the fateful day, speculations were rife on what transpired during the crash, motives were left unfounded and some quarters have been expounding theories upon theories.

One month on, Transport Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai revealed the preliminary report of the crash, including the transcript from the cockpit voice recorder.

It was revealed - during a press conference today - that Aidana played an active role in operating the helicopter during the ill-fated journey.

The transcript showed that Captain Clifford referred to Aidana a few times regarding the helicopter’s condition before take-off.

During the recorded conversation, the captain expressed his concerned over his landing gear.

Captain Clifford: "Why my landing gear... is it down? I got three in the green, I am little nervous about this now, let me see it."

Aidana: "It's ok.. it's a.. the dirt at the back... it's ok...Wheel went into the ground... it's a soft ground there... after the rain... we are good, we are good... yes.. yes.. yes, we are good; it's a soft ground there.. after the rain.. it's the field.. it's the football field."

Captain Clifford: "Wow... that was crazy"

After dropping-off a passenger, the helicopter continued its journey after Aidana assured that they were “absolutely safe.”

Aidana: "Don't worry, we are absolutely safe ... Shall we collapse our gear?"

Captain Clifford: "No.. no.. no.. leave it down, there is probably some damage to the hydraulic or something. We went all the way to the belly, it's not good."

"It's definitely not normal for the wheels go down into the ground that far. It's definitely not good to tip like that.

"As a matter of fact, I saw hydraulic fluid leaking and that's why I don't want to put them up. They are locked in the down position and we keep them locked in the down position."

One question which had heads turned, was the role of the mysterious woman in handling the helicopter?

Liow said the woman was merely a passenger.

“The female passenger was a friend to the captain. Based on the cockpit voice recorder, you will know that the captain could not see what was going on at the left side of the helicopter and asked the woman if she could check the condition,” he said.

His side is not putting the blame on any parties, Liow added.