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The Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) has confirmed that one of its fighter jets crashed at Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah Airport, Kuantan at 9.05pm yesterday, 21 August
Speaking to the New Straits Times last night, RMAF chief general Datuk Seri Muhammad Norazlan Aris said immediate action was taken but did not elaborate.
It is understood that the fighter jet involved was an F/A-18D Hornet.
Footage of the crash went viral on social media, showing the jet bursting into flames during takeoff, leaving a trail of fiery sparks.
A food stall operator near the airbase told Bernama he heard two explosions, which he described as sounding like missile strikes.
Below is footage of the incident:
Here is what we know so far:
1. Are the RMAF officers in the jet safe?
Yes, both the pilot and the weapons system officer managed to eject before the crash.
Pahang police chief Datuk Seri Yahaya Othman confirmed that they were safe and later taken to Tengku Ampuan Afzan Hospital (HTAA) for examination, reported Bernama.
2. What do we know about the F/A-18D Hornet?
A file picture of the aircraft.
Image via The EdgeAccording to NST, the F/A-18 Hornet is an all-weather, supersonic, twin-engine, carrier-capable multirole combat aircraft.
The fighter jet was manufactured by McDonnell Douglas, a US aerospace company that merged with Boeing in 1997 in a deal worth around USD14 billion (about RM59 billion today).
The two-seat aircraft is equipped with an upgraded Hughes APG-73 radar and two General Electric F404-GE-402 enhanced-performance engines.
The RMAF has operated a fleet of F/A-18D Hornets since acquiring them in 1997, making Malaysia the first Southeast Asian country to purchase and receive the aircraft.
The fleet has undergone the following upgrades:
• In 2011, the fleet underwent a structural overhaul to extend its lifespan.
• In 2017, the jets received weapons system upgrades as part of a modernisation programme.
• In 2022, they underwent heavy maintenance under the 'Local Planned Maintenance 12 Years' programme.
3. Has an F/A-18D Hornet ever crashed in Malaysia before?
No. According to NST, yesterday's incident was the first time the US-built aircraft had crashed in Malaysia.
However, there have been several close calls:
• In 2003, an RMAF Hornet skidded off the runway at Kuching International Airport after a tyre burst. Both crew members ejected safely.
• In 2017, another Hornet made an emergency landing at the same airport after experiencing a landing gear issue.
• In 2019, an RMAF F/A-18D Hornet suffered a turbine failure during takeoff at the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace (LIMA) Exhibition. The pilot managed to return the aircraft to the airfield using a single engine.
4. What happens next?
RMAF chief general Datuk Seri Muhammad Norazlan Aris (middle).
Image via Aizuddin Saad/New Straits TimesNST noted that the RMAF directorate-general of technical airworthiness is typically tasked with investigating incidents involving military aircraft.
The RMAF chief is expected to hold a press conference later today, 22 August, after inspecting the crash site. He is also scheduled to visit the pilot and weapons system officer at the hospital.
Meanwhile, in an X post today, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim expressed sympathy for the officers involved and prayed for their swift recovery.
He instructed authorities to conduct a thorough probe into the incident.
RMAF also confirmed that F/A-18D Hornets will not participate in the upcoming Hari Kebangsaan celebrations, pending the outcome of an investigation.
