KUALA LUMPUR: The Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) is investigating whether a bird strike may have caused the crash of an F/A-18D strike fighter during a routine night training exercise on Thursday.
Air traffic controllers reported seeing a “fireball” from the aircraft’s engines as it was taking off about 9pm. Both pilots ejected safely and were treated for minor injuries.
“We cannot yet confirm if it was an engine malfunction or a bird strike.
“The matter is still under investigation,” an RMAF spokes-man said.
The F/A-18D Hornet, which has been in service for more than two decades, was destroyed in the crash. It is part of the “legacy” model that has been carefully maintained since entering service in 1997.
“These airplanes have been the workhorse of our strike fighter fleet and have served us for generations.
“We take care of them as best as possible,” the spokesman said.
The eight Hornets in the RMAF fleet have undergone periodic upgrades to extend their service life and enhance their capabilities.
A major upgrade was carried out in 2011 to bring them up to the 25X Standard, while the most recent, in 2022, brought them up to the 29C Standard.
This included a comprehensive airframe rework and the installation of more modern systems.
Yesterday, RMAF chief General Datuk Seri Muhammad Norazlan Aris said the decision to ground the fighter jets would remain in effect, pending the outcome of the investigation.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
