Flight Recorders Retrieved From F/A-18D Hornet Crash, Investigation Underway - RMAF Chief

KUANTAN, Aug 25 (Bernama) -- The Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) Investigation Board has successfully recovered the flight data recorder and video recorder from the F/A-18D Hornet fighter jet that crashed during a night training exercise at Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah Airport last Thursday.

RMAF chief General Datuk Seri Muhamad Norazlan Aris confirmed that several initial indicators have been identified, but no further information will be released until the investigation is fully completed.

“The investigation is still ongoing, and I cannot disclose any further details at this stage,” he told Bernama today.

On the condition of the two RMAF officers involved in the crash, Muhamad Norazlan said that Major Mohamad Azhar Alang Kamarudin, 34, is expected to be discharged today from Tuanku Mizan Armed Forces Hospital in Kuala Lumpur and will return to his hometown in Ipoh, Perak, for continued rest and recovery.

Meanwhile, the aircraft's weapons sensor officer, Captain Mohamad Izzuddin Mohamad Salleh, 28, is still under medical observation due to abdominal pain.

Their recovery periods will be determined based on medical advice, Muhamad Norazlan added.

The incident occurred at 9.05 pm on Thursday, during a routine night training flight, but both officers successfully executed emergency ejection procedures before the aircraft crashed.

The RMAF has not reported any civilian casualties or damage on the ground.

The incident adds to a series of safety concerns surrounding military aviation, and the ongoing investigation is expected to offer insights into any technical or operational failures involved.

-- BERNAMA