Overview

• An RMAF F/A-18D crashed during a 9:05pm Aug 21 take-off at Kuantan, with video showing sparks along the runway followed by an explosion.
• Both crew members—Major Mohamad Azhar Alang Kamarudin and Captain Mohamad Izzuddin Mohamad Salleh—ejected, were treated in Kuantan, discharged early Aug 22, and remain under military care.
• RMAF chief Gen Muhamad Norazlan Aris convened a board of inquiry and suspended all F/A-18D sorties nationwide while investigators determine the cause.
• Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim expressed sympathy for the airmen and publicly called for a thorough probe and appropriate safety measures.
• The loss is the first for Malaysia’s eight two-seat Hornets acquired in 1997, and residents reported loud blasts as authorities secured and cleared the runway, with local reports of temporary flight disruption.