Last night (August 21), things got real at Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah Airport in Kuantan when a Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) F/A-18D Hornet went up in flames during takeoff.
What Happened
- The incident occurred at around 9:05 PM, during a routine night exercise.
- Eyewitnesses described two loud explosions that sounded like missile strikes, followed by towering flames and thick smoke that could be seen around the airport.
- A video posted online captured the dramatic moment—the jet caught fire almost immediately after lifting off.
- Officials say both the pilot and the weapons systems officer ejected safely and were taken to Tengku Ampuan Afzan Hospital. Reported injuries included minor burns and bruises.
- This has been confirmed as the first major loss of one of Malaysia’s eight F/A-18D Hornets, which were acquired back in the late 1990s.
What Authorities Are Saying
- Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim is calling for a thorough investigation into the cause of the crash and warned against spreading unverified rumors.
- The RMAF has formed a Board of Inquiry and investigators are examining all angles, including the possibility of an engine malfunction, foreign object debris on the runway, or even a bird strike.
- Meanwhile, all F/A-18D operations are on pause, and the runway is undergoing a rigorous cleanup “Mega Sweep” to ensure safety before resuming flights.
Bigger Picture & Aftermath
- The fiery crash reignites concerns about Malaysia’s aging Hornet fleet—some jets have been in service since 1997 and have already undergone structural life-extension programs, weapons upgrades, and heavy maintenance.
- Just a week ago, Malaysia’s King criticized defense procurement as “nonsensical”—calling out the risks posed by outdated military gear, nicknaming them “flying coffins”.
- The airport’s runway was closed for hours following the crash to allow for debris clearance and investigation; this disrupted civilian flight operations temporarily
