Overview

• An RMAF F/A-18D Hornet caught fire during a night training takeoff at Kuantan’s Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah Airport around 9:05pm on Aug 21, with viral video showing a fireball as the jet came down.
• Both airmen ejected safely and were treated at Tengku Ampuan Afzan Hospital before being discharged; they are now under military care.
• RMAF chief Gen Muhamad Norazlan Aris identified the crew as Major Mohamad Azhar Alang Kamarudin, 34, and Captain Mohamad Izzuddin Mohamad Salleh, 28, who sustained minor injuries.
• All F/A-18D flights nationwide are suspended pending the investigation, and the Kuantan airport briefly halted civilian operations to clear debris and secure the runway.
• Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim called for a thorough probe as officials noted this is believed to be the first major loss of Malaysia’s Hornet fleet since 1997, renewing scrutiny of ageing military equipment.