In a statement, district fire and rescue department chief Shafie Sulong said the incident involving a Bell 206 Long Ranger helicopter occurred at around 10.30am.

The aircraft lost control while trying to land, before turning on its side, crashing and catching fire.

Shafie said the victim, a 44-year-old Indonesian, was struck by the blade in the process and was confirmed dead at the scene.

The fire also destroyed the helicopter, which is believed to have been rented by a contractor for the installation of power cables in the area.

The pilot escaped unharmed.

The Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) confirmed the incident in a statement, saying the helicopter, leased and operated by MHS Aviation Bhd, was conducting an “aerial work flight”.

CAAM said the last information air traffic controllers received from the pilot was at 10.18am that the aircraft was returning to the landing site in Bentong.

“Further investigations will be conducted by the Air Accident Investigation Bureau,” it added.

Meanwhile, Tenaga Nasional Bhd (TNB) said it has suspended the operations of a second helicopter involved in maintenance work at its project site in Bentong.

The company confirmed receiving a report of the helicopter crash, Bernama reported.

“TNB will fully cooperate with the authorities in their investigation and extends its condolences to the victim’s family,” it said in a statement on its TNB Careline Facebook page.