The two Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) officers who successfully ejected before their fighter jet crashed at the Kuantan airbase last night were discharged from Tengku Ampuan Afzan Hospital at 2am today.
RMAF chief Norazlan Aris said pilot Azhar Alang Kamarudin, 34, sustained back injuries and suffered minor burns to his left heel, while co-pilot Izzuddin Salleh, 28, escaped with only bruises to several parts of his body, Bernama reported.
“Both officers are now recuperating at the Malaysian Armed Forces Hospital.
“I visited the crash site this morning to get a full briefing on the incident and to extend moral support to both officers,” he was quoted as saying.
He said the crash occurred during a routine night flying training exercise.
Yesterday, the RMAF said the incident involving the F/A-18D Hornet occurred at 9.05pm on the runway of Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah Airport in Kuantan, Pahang, which shares facilities with the airbase.
A video showing what is believed to be the fighter jet catching fire shortly after takeoff has been widely shared on social media.
Norazlan said Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah Airport has been temporarily closed for a comprehensive clean-up operation.
“We deployed personnel to comb every inch of the runway. All foreign objects and debris are being collected to ensure the area is fully cleared,” he said.
Authorities are expected to confirm the runway’s operational readiness by midday today.
Norzalan said the RMAF has formed an official board of inquiry to investigate the cause of the accident.
“The investigation team begins work today and will provide a preliminary report as soon as possible. Typically, such reports will be completed within 14 days,” he added.
