On 20 July 2012, a Bell 212 helicopter of the Royal Brunei Air Force (RBAirF) crashed in the region of Kuala Belait,[1][2] at Ulu Rampayoh in Mukim Labi.

[a][5] In order to stop such mishaps from happening again, the board of inquiry suggested that the air force enhance safety, protocols, and training after the incident.

[6] The Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF) and the MinDef formed the Supreme Board of Inquiry (BOI) on 25 July 2012, with the goals of looking into the Bell 212 helicopter crash, suggesting ways to avoid such events in the future, and strengthening safety procedures.

On 20 July 2012, a RBAriF Bell 212 helicopter was on its way back to Bandar Seri Begawan, the capital, following the passengers' completion of training in jungle warfare.

The Commander of the RBAF, Major General Aminuddin Ihsan and the Deputy Minister of Defence, Mustappa Sirat, convened the news conference.

[12] First Admiral Abdul Halim, Commander of the Royal Brunei Navy, who was in charge of the BOI,[24] presented a detailed report in which he stated that, according to illustrations taken from the report of its findings, the helicopter's pilot had engaged in "unauthorised low-level flying" around the Wasai Wang Tebadak area (LP KB 195A) at a speed of about 60–80 knots (110–150 km/h; 69–92 mph)[6] before the crash.

[6] He stated:[12] The aircraft strayed and was reduced from its original altitude due to a G-force factor... At the very last minute, the aircraft attempted to raise its altitude but (it) was in vain and it subsequently crashed into two large trees.The investigation also said that on 20 July 2012, the day of the event, at around 8.55 a.m., the Royal Brunei Air Force Base in Kampong Rimba was the departure point for the RBAF's Bell 212 helicopter.

However, there was no further contact, and the DCA Air Traffic Control Unit neglected to notify the RBAF to initiate a "distress procedure" and to issue an INCERFA (uncertainty phase) warning.

[12] According to Dato Halim, the BOI evaluated environmental and material considerations, verifying that the aircraft was airworthy and the weather was favourable at the time of the event.

The results of the investigation were communicated to the accident victims' relatives before the press presentation, and the full BOI report—which includes further recommendations—will be made public on 16 September 2012.

The board was entrusted with investigating the helicopter accident, gathering information about its causes and circumstances, and recommending actions that should be taken to ensure that a similar catastrophe never occurs.

The original assessment, dated 6 August 2012, made several strong suggestions, some of which have been implemented, particularly with regard to safety and process reinforcement by the RBAF.