THE Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) has retrieved both the flight data and video recorders from the F/A-18D Hornet fighter jet that crashed during a night training sortie at Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah Airport last Thursday.
RMAF Chief General Datuk Seri Muhamad Norazlan Aris confirmed the recovery, noting that initial indicators have already been identified by the air force’s investigation board. However, he said no further information would be disclosed until the inquiry is fully concluded.
“The investigation is still ongoing, and I cannot disclose any further details at this stage,” he told Bernama.
The aircraft went down at 9.05pm during a routine night exercise. Both aircrew members ejected safely before the crash. No civilian casualties or ground damage have been reported.
Major Mohamad Azhar Alang Kamarudin, 34, one of the officers involved, is expected to be discharged from Tuanku Mizan Armed Forces Hospital in Kuala Lumpur and will continue recuperating in his hometown of Ipoh, Perak.
His fellow officer, Captain Mohamad Izzuddin Mohamad Salleh, 28, who served as the aircraft’s weapons sensor officer, remains under medical observation due to abdominal pain. The duration of both officers' recovery will be based on medical assessments, said Muhamad Norazlan.
The crash has renewed focus on operational safety within the Malaysian armed forces. The investigation is expected to shed light on possible technical or procedural failings once complete. - August 25, 2025
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