Military jet crashes in a ball of fire at Pahang airbase, pilots ejected safely

A Malaysian military fighter jet crashed at an airbase in Pahang on the night of Aug 21, with videos that captured the aircraft bursting into flames as it took off going viral on social media.

The Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) chief, General Muhamad Norazlan Aris, said on Aug 22 that both the pilot and the co-pilot ejected from the F/A-18D Hornet aircraft before it crashed on the runway of Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah Airport at around 9.05pm.

The airport shares the same runway with the airbase.

It is believed to be the first major crash involving an F/A-18D in the country since it entered service in 1997, Malaysian media reported.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim on Aug 22 called for a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the incident, urging the authorities to ensure that all necessary safety measures are implemented.

“I pray that both injured individuals are granted a speedy recovery, and that all matters related to their treatment and well-being are made easier,” he said on social media platform X.

Gen Muhamad Norazlan said the crash took place during a routine night-flying training exercise.

Videos on social media captured the fiery explosion as the jet took off.

The pilot, Major Mohamad Azhar Alang Kamarudin, 34, sustained back injuries and suffered 1 per cent burn on his left heel. His co-pilot, Captain Mohamad Izzuddin Mohamad Salleh, 28, had bruises on several parts of his body.

Gen Muhamad Norazlan said both officers were immediately treated at a government hospital and were discharged at 2am on Aug 22.

They are now recuperating at the Malaysian Armed Forces Hospital.

Gen Muhamad Norazlan said an official board of inquiry has been formed to probe the cause of the incident.

All flights involving F/A-18D jets nationwide have been suspended for now, he added.

Residents living nearby reported hearing loud explosions during the crash, with some comparing the sound with that of a “missile strike”.

Contract worker Mazlan Abdullah said he heard two explosions and saw flames in the area.

“After the first explosion, I saw fire inside the airport area with smoke billowing,” he told reporters. “When I looked towards the airfield, there were flames. Then came the second explosion, which caused the fire to spread further, and there was also a burning smell.”

The crash came a week after Malaysia’s King, Sultan Ibrahim Iskandar, issued a stern reminder to the government not to purchase ageing aircraft – some of which he described as “flying coffins” – that could endanger the lives of military personnel.

The Defence Ministry has since scrapped its plan to purchase four ageing Black Hawk helicopters after the royal rebuke.