Overview

• The Royal Malaysian Air Force confirmed an accident involving an F/A-18D Hornet at 9:05 p.m. on the Sultan Ahmad Shah Airport runway shared with the Kuantan airbase.
• Both the pilot and weapons systems officer ejected and were taken to Tengku Ampuan Afzan Hospital, with local reports stating they are in stable condition.
• Airport operations were temporarily suspended to clear debris and facilitate the authorities’ response, according to local reporting.
• Widely shared video shows the jet trailing flames and erupting into a fireball during takeoff, with witnesses describing a loud blast and heavy smoke.
• An investigation has been opened to determine the cause, and coverage notes the RMAF operates eight F/A-18D Hornets acquired in 1997.