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Bird strike caused jet crash at Kuantan air base, says RMAF chief
The RMAF’s inquiry board identified the cause as a purple heron that flew across the runway at the time of the incident, he added.
Norazlan noted that
The Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) F/A-18D Hornet fighter jet accident on Aug 21 was caused by a bird entering the aircraft’s left engine during take-off at the Kuantan Air Base, said RMAF chief Norazlan Aris.
The RMAF’s inquiry board identified the cause as a purple heron that flew across the runway at the time of the incident, he added.
Norazlan noted that this was the first time a bird strike had caused such a crash.
“This finding is based on analysis of CCTV footage, data from the aircraft’s deployable flight incident recorder system with assistance from the US navy, as well as technical data and analyses provided by the Chemical Department, Defense Science and Technology Research Institute (Stride), the police, and the Wildlife Department,” Norazlan was quoted as saying by Malaysia Gazette at a special press conference in Kuantan, today.
He added that investigators found the incident occurred when the aircraft had already taken off, travelling at 146 knots (270km/h) and reaching a height of almost 10m, forcing the two crew members in the jet to eject at about 50m above ground level.
“I feel confident that the investigation points to no technical issues, but rather to an unavoidable incident involving a large bird getting into the aircraft’s engine during take-off that night,” he said.
Crew still recovering
Following the initial findings, Norazlan confirmed that the suspension of the F/A-18D Hornet fleet had been lifted, with the first test flight carried out today.
On the condition of the two crew members involved, he said pilot Azhar Alang Kamarudin, 34, and weapons systems officer Izzuddin Salleh, 28, are still recovering, and are expected to resume duty on Oct 2.
After a video of the incident went viral, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim called on the authorities to conduct a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the accident.
He also urged the authorities to ensure that all necessary safety measures are implemented.
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