The crash of a Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) fighter jet at the Kuantan airbase last month was caused by a bird strike, leading to the failure of the aircraft’s left engine during take-off.
RMAF chief Norazlan Aris said a board of inquiry that began its probe on Aug 22 confirmed the incident involved a purple heron. “All the evidence confirms that the crash was due to a bird strike involving a purple heron,” he said at a press conference at the airbase, as reported by Utusan Malaysia.
The investigation was conducted with help from the Science and Technology Research Institute for Defence, the chemistry department, police, Perhilitan and the US Navy. Tests on animal bone fragments found in the engine, verified by Perhilitan, identified the bird species.
“This accident was unavoidable despite standard procedures to disperse wildlife, including birds, before take-off. Bird strikes have happened before but had never compromised flight safety. This incident was more severe because of the purple heron’s relatively large size,” Norazlan explained.
Operations of the US-made F/A-18D Hornet have now resumed after being grounded following the Aug 21 crash, which took place at about 9.05pm on the runway of Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah Airport in Kuantan, Pahang.
A video showing the jet catching fire shortly after takeoff went viral on social media. Both officers on board — pilot Azhar Alang Kamarudin and co-pilot Izzuddin Salleh — ejected safely before the crash. Azhar sustained back injuries and minor burns, while Izzuddin suffered bruises.
Norazlan said both officers are still recuperating and will continue treatment until Oct 2, after which they will undergo readiness tests before returning to duty.
