Latest news with #Lessor
Malaysian Reserve
12-08-2025
- Malaysian Reserve
Bentong chopper crash preliminary report flags hot refuelling safety breaches
KUALA LUMPUR — The preliminary report on the Feb 6 Bentong helicopter crash, which killed a ground crew member, found that both the Indonesian ground crew and the pilot of the Bell 206L4 violated Safety Working Procedures (SWP) during hot refuelling a day before the incident. The Air Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) said video footage showed the helicopter, registration PK-ZUV, undergoing hot refuelling without adherence to the prescribed SWP. 'Based on video footage of PK-ZUV conducting hot refuelling a day before the accident, it was observed that the crew from the Lessor did not adhere to the prescribed SWP. Such non-compliance poses a potential risk and could lead to unsafe conditions. 'Figure 5, Paragraph 1.4.1 (c), (e), and (f) (of the report) clearly define the SWP for conducting hot refuelling. However, as observed in Figure 6, the helicopter operator or the Lessor failed to adhere to these procedures,' read the report, published on the Transport Ministry's website. Hot refuelling is the process of refuelling a helicopter with its engine running and rotor blades turning, often used by the Bell 206L4 light helicopter to meet operational and time-critical needs. Under the SWP, this can only be done using a fuel drum and manual pump by trained personnel, who must wait at a safe distance until the helicopter lands. Once on the ground, the pilot must maintain the correct engine revolutions per minute and lock the landing gear, allowing the crew to approach only after a clear signal, such as a thumbs-up. The SWP further requires the crew to approach from the front or side where the pilot is visible, never from the rear due to tail rotor hazards, and to keep low without raising their hands while carrying refuelling tools. However, video footage from the day before the crash captured unsafe actions by both the pilot and ground engineer, creating potential hazards. 'The helicopter was hovering with its rotor blades still running while moving closer to the ground engineer, who was positioned directly beneath the main rotor disc. The crew was already positioned beneath the helicopter while it was still hovering and approaching for landing, indicating a clear violation of this procedure. 'Such non-compliance poses a potential risk and could lead to unsafe conditions,' the report stated. An Indonesian ground crew member was killed after being struck by the rotor blades, while the pilot suffered minor injuries when the helicopter crashed during a refuelling attempt near a hot spring pool at Kg Janda along the old Kuala Lumpur–Bentong road. The Bell 206L4, engaged in aerial work for Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) since Jan 21, reportedly lost control while hovering. Its skid partially struck the landing surface, causing the aircraft to topple and burst into flames. The post-impact fire destroyed the helicopter, leaving only the tail boom intact. The report also found that the lessor, PT Zaveryna Utama, had failed to meet safety regulations, while the lessee, MHS Aviation Berhad, was responsible for oversight and ensuring compliance with operational requirements. 'The absence of a Safety Officer from the lessee to supervise the hot refuelling process contributed to crew complacency, further increasing operational risks,' the report added. The report confirmed that the helicopter's maintenance complied with all regulations and approved procedures, and that favourable weather conditions played no role in the incident. — BERNAMA
The Star
12-08-2025
- The Star
Bentong chopper crash preliminary report flags hot refuelling safety breaches
KUALA LUMPUR: The preliminary report on the Feb 6 Bentong helicopter crash, which killed a ground crew member, found that both the Indonesian ground crew and the pilot of the Bell 206L4 violated Safety Working Procedures (SWP) during hot refuelling a day before the incident. The Air Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) said video footage showed the helicopter, registration PK-ZUV, undergoing hot refuelling without adherence to the prescribed SWP. "Based on video footage of PK-ZUV conducting hot refuelling a day before the accident, it was observed that the crew from the Lessor did not adhere to the prescribed SWP. Such non-compliance poses a potential risk and could lead to unsafe conditions. "Figure 5, Paragraph 1.4.1 (c), (e), and (f) (of the report) clearly define the SWP for conducting hot refuelling. However, as observed in Figure 6, the helicopter operator or the Lessor failed to adhere to these procedures," read the report, published on the Transport Ministry's website. Hot refuelling is the process of refuelling a helicopter with its engine running and rotor blades turning, often used by the Bell 206L4 light helicopter to meet operational and time-critical needs. Under the SWP, this can only be done using a fuel drum and manual pump by trained personnel, who must wait at a safe distance until the helicopter lands. Once on the ground, the pilot must maintain the correct engine revolutions per minute and lock the landing gear, allowing the crew to approach only after a clear signal, such as a thumbs-up. The SWP further requires the crew to approach from the front or side where the pilot is visible, never from the rear due to tail rotor hazards, and to keep low without raising their hands while carrying refuelling tools. However, video footage from the day before the crash captured unsafe actions by both the pilot and ground engineer, creating potential hazards. "The helicopter was hovering with its rotor blades still running while moving closer to the ground engineer, who was positioned directly beneath the main rotor disc. The crew was already positioned beneath the helicopter while it was still hovering and approaching for landing, indicating a clear violation of this procedure. "Such non-compliance poses a potential risk and could lead to unsafe conditions," the report stated. An Indonesian ground crew member was killed after being struck by the rotor blades, while the pilot suffered minor injuries when the helicopter crashed during a refuelling attempt near a hot spring pool at Kg Janda along the old Kuala Lumpur-Bentong road. The Bell 206L4, engaged in aerial work for Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) since Jan 21, reportedly lost control while hovering. Its skid partially struck the landing surface, causing the aircraft to topple and burst into flames. The post-impact fire destroyed the helicopter, leaving only the tail boom intact. The report also found that the lessor, PT Zaveryna Utama, had failed to meet safety regulations, while the lessee, MHS Aviation Berhad, was responsible for oversight and ensuring compliance with operational requirements. "The absence of a Safety Officer from the lessee to supervise the hot refuelling process contributed to crew complacency, further increasing operational risks," the report added. The report confirmed that the helicopter's maintenance complied with all regulations and approved procedures, and that favourable weather conditions played no role in the incident. – Bernama
The Sun
12-08-2025
- General
- The Sun
Bentong helicopter crash report reveals hot refuelling safety violations
KUALA LUMPUR: The preliminary investigation into the 6 February Bentong helicopter crash, which resulted in the death of a ground crew member, has identified multiple safety breaches during hot refuelling operations. The Air Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) found both the Indonesian ground crew and the pilot of the Bell 206L4 helicopter violated established Safety Working Procedures (SWP). Video evidence showed the helicopter, registered as PK-ZUV, undergoing hot refuelling without following mandatory safety protocols. 'Based on video footage of PK-ZUV conducting hot refuelling a day before the accident, it was observed that the crew from the Lessor did not adhere to the prescribed SWP,' stated the AAIB report. The report highlighted specific procedural failures, including the crew's improper positioning during refuelling. 'Figure 5, Paragraph 1.4.1 (c), (e), and (f) clearly define the SWP for conducting hot refuelling. However, as observed in Figure 6, the helicopter operator or the Lessor failed to adhere to these procedures,' the report noted. Hot refuelling, a process where fuel is added while the helicopter's engine and rotor blades remain operational, is commonly used for time-sensitive missions. However, strict safety measures must be followed, including using a fuel drum and manual pump, maintaining safe distances, and ensuring proper signalling between the pilot and ground crew. The footage revealed critical lapses, including the helicopter hovering too close to the ground engineer, who was positioned directly beneath the rotor blades. 'The crew was already positioned beneath the helicopter while it was still hovering and approaching for landing, indicating a clear violation of this procedure,' the report stated. The crash occurred during a refuelling attempt near a hot spring pool in Kg Janda along the old Kuala Lumpur-Bentong road. The ground crew member was fatally struck by the rotor blades, while the pilot sustained minor injuries. The helicopter, leased for aerial work by Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB), lost control during hovering, partially struck the landing surface, and subsequently caught fire. The AAIB also found that the lessor, PT Zaveryna Utama, failed to meet safety standards, while the lessee, MHS Aviation Berhad, neglected oversight responsibilities. 'The absence of a Safety Officer from the lessee to supervise the hot refuelling process contributed to crew complacency,' the report added. Investigators confirmed the helicopter was properly maintained and weather conditions were not a factor in the crash. The final report is expected to provide further recommendations to prevent similar incidents. – Bernama
Hamilton Spectator
01-08-2025
- Business
- Hamilton Spectator
Stallion Uranium Announces Update to Previously Announced Technology Licensing Agreement
NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWS WIRE SERVICES OR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES VANCOUVER, British Columbia, July 31, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Stallion Uranium Corp. (the 'Company' or 'Stallion') (TSX-V: STUD; OTCQB: STLNF; FSE: FE0) further to its news release of July 8th, 2025, the Company provides certain updates in respect of its technology licensing agreement dated July 7th, 2025 (the 'Technology Licensing Agreement'), amongst the Company and Matthew J. Mason (the 'Lessor'). The Lessor holds the exclusive license to certain proprietary technology and know-how that can be used to assist in area prioritization selection for the purposes of exploration for minerals (the 'Technology'), which was developed by an arm's length Ph.D. geologist (the 'Licensor'). In particular, the Lessor obtained its license in the Technology pursuant to the terms of a binding term sheet dated February 6th, 2025, amongst the Lessor and the Licensor (the 'Underlying Agreement'). Pursuant to the terms of the Underlying Agreement, the Lessor's license in the Technology shall be for a period of 2 years. In connection with the grant of the license to the Lessor from the Licensor, the Lessor and the Licensor shall form an unincorporated joint-venture whereby the Licensor shall contribute the Technology, and the Lessor shall contribute funding and marking expertise to collaboratively advance the development of the Technology. As of the date hereof, the Licensor has advanced funds of GBP280,000 pursuant to the Underlying Agreement. Furthermore, the 3,750,000 common shares of the Company payable to the Lessor pursuant to the Technology Licensing Agreement shall be subject to a tier 2 value escrow agreement, with 10% of the escrowed securities being releasable at the time of the Final TSX-V Bulletin, and 15% of the escrowed securities being releasable every six months thereafter until released in full. For more information regarding the Technology Licensing Agreement and the Technology, please refer to the Company's news release of July 8th, 2025. This press release does not constitute an offer to sell, or the solicitation of an offer to buy, any securities. None of the securities issued pursuant to the Technology License Agreement have been, or will be, registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, or any state securities laws. About Stallion Uranium Corp.: Stallion Uranium is working to 'Fuel the Future with Uranium' through the exploration of roughly 1,700 sq/km in the Athabasca Basin, home to the largest high-grade uranium deposits in the world. The company, with JV partner Atha Energy holds the largest contiguous project in the Western Athabasca Basin adjacent to multiple high-grade discovery zones. Our leadership and advisory teams are comprised of uranium and precious metals exploration experts with the capital markets experience and the technical talent for acquiring and exploring early-stage properties. For more information visit . On Behalf of the Board of Stallion Uranium Corp.: Matthew Schwab CEO and Director Corporate Office: 700 - 838 West Hastings Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6C 0A6 T: 604-551-2360 info@ Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This news release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation (collectively, 'forward-looking statements') that relate to the Company's current expectations and views of future events. Any statements that express, or involve discussions as to, expectations, beliefs, plans, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance (often, but not always, through the use of words or phrases such as 'will likely result', 'are expected to', 'expects', 'will continue', 'is anticipated', 'anticipates', 'believes', 'estimated', 'intends', 'plans', 'forecast', 'projection', 'strategy', 'objective' and 'outlook') are not historical facts and may be forward-looking statements and may involve estimates, assumptions and uncertainties which could cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those expressed in such forward-looking statements. No assurance can be given that these expectations will prove to be correct and such forward-looking statements included in this material change report should not be unduly relied upon. These statements speak only as of the date they are made. Forward-looking statements are based on a number of assumptions and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the Company's control, which could cause actual results and events to differ materially from those that are disclosed in or implied by such forward-looking statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required by law. New factors emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for the Company to predict all of them or assess the impact of each such factor or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement. Any forward-looking statements contained in this presentation are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement .
Yahoo
14-03-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Dry conditions and winds create ‘perfect storm' for wildfires. Here's why CT's drought may persist
Most of Connecticut remains in drought conditions as below-average snowfall over the winter months has led to dry soil along with heavy wind gusts, creating the 'perfect storm' for wildfire danger. According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, nearly half of the state, including Hartford County, is experiencing a severe drought. New Haven and New London Counties closer to the shoreline are experiencing a mild drought, according to the monitor. Only a small portion of the northwest corner of Connecticut is experiencing 'abnormally dry' conditions that have not been upgraded to a drought. The dry conditions come amid the historically windy season in March and April, as stronger temperature differences and pressure gradients lead to more frequent and intense winds. The combination of wind and drought conditions can lead to an uptick in 'fire weather,' which officials warn can be deadly and dangerous. 'It's kind of the perfect storm for potential wildfires,' said AccuWeather meteorologist Tyler Royce. 'There's very little vegetation in terms of leaves on the trees right now. So what happens is that the sun angle changes and it warms the ground out and the wind dries things up. So you really have the right combinations for fire weather.' The drought is most likely to persist through the next several weeks, according to Royce. He said that the dry conditions facing the state are more 'unusual' than in past years, as precipitation remains below average over two seasons. 'When we get into the summertime, we may be closer to where we need to be, but because we saw such little precipitation in the fall, the ground is not able to hold the soil moisture long,' Royce said. 'So unless we get steady rainfall, we're looking at a prolonged dry season through the spring.' This winter saw below-average snowfall in Connecticut, according to Gary Lessor, chief meteorologist at Western Connecticut State University. This year, there was 21.7 inches of snowfall from December through Feb. 28, compared to the normal 39.1 inches of snowfall for that same time frame. Winter precipitation — which includes rain and hail — was 8.85 inches from December through Feb. 28, compared to the normal of 10.49 inches. 'We really needed to have normal or above normal snowfall or at least precipitation totals for this winter,' Lessor said. 'As we go into spring, that's going to make us really need more precipitation, to make up for the deficit from the winter and fall. Because if we go into a very hot and dry summer, then we're going to be in a world of severe drought.' Lessor said that the state has experienced more intense storms that bring heavy precipitation with periods of prolonged dryness in between. He said that one-day heavy precipitation events are not as consistent rainfall over a period of days to alleviate drought conditions. Heavy precipitation events often cause soil runoff and don't penetrate the ground as well as consistent rainfall over several days. 'This is what climate change is all about,' Lessor said. 'We had the epic rainfall last summer and then the extreme drought in the fall. This is what we're going to be facing probably at least for the rest of our lifetimes and probably for hundreds of years to come.' Connecticut traditionally experiences high forest fire danger in the spring from mid-March through May, according to officials. The state's Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Division of Forestry constantly monitors the danger of forest fires to help protect Connecticut's 1.8 million acres of forested land. The Forest Fire Danger Level remains 'high' as dry conditions persist throughout the state, according to DEEP. The dry weather has also put pressure on firefighters battling wildfires. In Manchester, a wildfire closed a part of Interstate 84 on Tuesday night as multiple crews responded to battle the blaze. Responding crews found three separate brush fires and with the help of nearby fire departments, they were all extinguished before any homes were damaged, according to a statement from the Manchester Fire Department. 'On Bryan Drive, the fire encroached within 15 feet of structures, but there was no damage sustained. Companies operated for approximately 90 minutes, bringing the fire under control and thoroughly overhauling the area. There were no injuries sustained, and the incident is presently under investigation by the office of the Fire Marshal,' the Manchester Fire Department said in a statement. The high risk of wildfires has also prompted state and local officials to call for the temporary closure of the NextEra solar project in East Windsor until the safety of residents there is secured, according to a press release. The calls for closure come after a fire broke out at the project on March 11 following reports of sparking wires several days prior at its site. A delegation of lawmakers including Connecticut state Sen. Saud Anwa state Reps. Jaime Foster and Carol Hall, First Selectman Jason Bowsza and members of the East Windsor community said that current weather conditions have made the site unsafe. The nearest properties abutting the project are 124 feet away from its development site, making any potential fires threatening to local property and safety, according to officials. A DEEP spokesperson told the Courant it won't speculate if another open burning ban will be needed this year, but officials said they are urging caution. The department issued guidelines this week on safe practices for wood burning along with what to do if you encounter a wildfire. 'If you spot a forest fire, remain calm, go to the nearest telephone and dial 911 to report the fire as quickly as possible to your local fire department,' according to DEEP. 'Tell the emergency dispatcher when you saw it and where you saw it. If you see anything suspicious at or near the scene of the fire, take note and relay that to 911 as well. Stay on the telephone until the dispatcher tells you to hang up.' Last October, unprecedented drought conditions over several months led Connecticut to enact a statewide burn ban as crews battled wildfires throughout the state. The Hawthorne fire in Berlin, one of the largest in Connecticut history, took several days, along with hundreds of fire crews, to contain the flames. One firefighter was killed helping fight the blaze. 'Last fall's open burn ban was a result of two months of no precipitation which caused the drought,' a spokesperson for DEEP said. 'Droughts do not drive burn bans, though they may contribute to wildfire risk.' DEEP's Forest Fire Control Office urges anyone who uses the state's parks, forests and open spaces to use fire with caution and heed the following recommendations, especially during forest fire season: Obey local laws regarding open fires, including campfires. Keep all flammable objects away from fire. Scrape away leaves, twigs and grass within a 10-foot diameter circle from fire. Have firefighting tools nearby and handy. Never leave a fire unattended. Carefully dispose of hot coal/ashes. Drown all fires. Carefully extinguish smoking materials. For Connecticut homeowners, DEEP recommends the following steps to protect family members and the home: Make a fire-safe zone around your house. Clean flammable vegetation and debris from at least 30 feet around the house and any outbuildings. Prune away the lower limbs of evergreens that are within the fire-safe zone. Evergreens catch fire easily during dry periods and burn quickly. Remove any limbs which overhang the roof or chimney. Regularly remove leaves and needles from gutters. Do not store firewood in the fire-safe zone. Use fire-resistant roofing materials. Make sure firefighters can find and access your home. Mark your house and roads clearly and prune away limbs and trees along your driveway that do not allow fire truck access. Have an escape plan and practice it. Follow state and local open burning laws. Stay with outside fires until they are completely safe and extinguished. Dispose of wood ashes in a metal bucket and soak them with water before dumping them. Stephen Underwood can be reached at sunderwood@
