He said this was the only element of the crash investigation that could be revealed to the public as of now.
“The important witness in this crash is (co-pilot) Captain Wai Lik. He is currently warded and unconscious. I think we will get a clearer picture once we interview him.
“The investigation will be completed in a couple of weeks and I hope all quarters can be patient as we assure you a full report,” he said in a press conference with Defence Minister Hishammuddin Hussein at the Penang Hospital today.
Affendi said mechanical parts taken from the wreckage of the Beechcraft plane have been sent to their manufacturers to ascertain possible faults.
“This is to verify if the plane suffered a system or mechanical fault. This will take time.
“As of now we can rely on immediately available evidence on the site,” he said.
When asked if there was a mayday call, Affendi said that could not be revealed as it was still under investigation.
“As to the communication between the pilot and the Air Traffic Control, I cannot reveal that now as the board of inquiry is looking into it,” he said.
Asked about reports that the pilot had avoided greater damage and loss of life by diverting the ill-fated plane away from an ammunitions depot at the air base, Affendi said that was mere speculation.
Earlier, Affendi and Hishammuddin visited Sergeant Mohd Sofi Azizan, 29, who was one of three victims who survived the crash.
Sofi suffered a fractured leg and a few bruises and was in good spirits as Affendi and Hishammuddin greeted him at the orthopaedic ward here today.
On Wednesday, a maritime turboprop plane crashed near the ammunitions depot of the RMAF Butterworth Air Base, killing its pilot Major Kayamboo Chellam, 45, and seriously injuring three others.