THE Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) has suspended all operations involving its F/A-18D Hornet fighter jets with immediate effect, pending a full investigation into Thursday night’s crash at Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah Airport, Kuantan.
RMAF Chief General Datuk Seri Muhamad Norazlan Aris confirmed the decision on Friday, saying it would allow the Board of Inquiry to conduct a comprehensive probe into the incident, which saw a Hornet aircraft crash during take-off amid a routine night flying exercise.
“The aircraft wreckage will not be removed until the investigation at the site has been completed,” he said during a press conference at Kuantan Air Base.
He added that based on video analysis, the crash did not appear to have been caused by bird strike or engine failure.
“We have ruled out the likelihood of a bird strike or engine malfunction based on the available video footage,” said Norazlan. “The aircraft was being piloted by a highly experienced crew, including Major Mohamad Azhar Alang Kamarudin, 34, who has flown this aircraft type extensively since 2019.”
The crash occurred at approximately 9.05pm on Thursday. Both crew members—Major Azhar and Weapon Systems Officer Captain Mohamad Izzuddin Mohamad Salleh, 28—managed to eject safely before the aircraft impacted the ground.
Major Azhar sustained a spinal fracture and minor burns to his left heel, while Captain Izzuddin suffered bruising to several parts of his body. They were initially treated at Tengku Ampuan Afzan Hospital and discharged at 2am on Friday. Both are now recovering at the Malaysian Armed Forces’ medical facility.
“I visited the crash site this morning to get a full understanding of the incident and also paid a visit to both officers to offer moral support,” said Norazlan.
He stated that a formal investigation began on Friday and that a preliminary report would be provided “as soon as possible.”
The crash, which took place during a scheduled night-time training flight, has raised questions around the ageing Hornet fleet, which has been in service with the RMAF since the late 1990s.
While technical failure has been largely ruled out in this case, the temporary grounding signals a broader commitment by the air force to safety, accountability and operational readiness. - August 22, 2025
