Videos of suspected RMAF F/A-18 Hornet crash in Kuantan go viral [WATCH]
One 29-second video, widely circulating on social media, shows a fighter jet taking off from the runway, believed to be at the Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah Airport.
However, at the video's 17-second mark, a bright flash is seen, just as the aircraft takes off.
Sparks are also seen trailing from the jet before it is engulfed in flames.
The New Straits Times has reached out to the authorities to verify the authenticity of the video.
Social media was also awash with videos from Kuantan residents, who shared footage of orange flames believed to be from the explosion, lighting up the night sky.
RMAF chief General Datuk Seri Muhammad Norazlan Aris earlier confirmed that there was an incident involving one of its F/A-18 Hornet fighter jets at the Kuantan airbase.
"Affirm, there was an incident involving the aircraft," he said when contacted.
RMAF, in a statement, said the incident occurred at 9.05pm.
It said it was taking prompt action and would provide updates on the situation.
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New Straits Times
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KUANTAN: Last night, footage of a Royal Malaysian Air Force fighter jet bursting into flames as it took off from an airbase went viral. Within an hour, the RMAF confirmed the incident. Here's a recap of what we know so far. What happened? At 9.05pm, an RMAF F/A-18D Hornet took off from the Kuantan airbase. Footage of the incident shows sparks flying from the fighter jet as it took off. This was followed by what appeared to be an explosion before fire engulfed the plane. RMAF chief General Datuk Seri Muhammad Norazlan Aris confirmed the incident. Who was on board? A pilot and a weapons system officer were in the fighter jet and managed to eject before the crash. The two, whose names have yet to be disclosed, were taken to Tengku Ampuan Afzan Hospital (HTAA). First F/A-18D Hornet crash This is the first crash involving the RMAF's F/A-18D Hornet since the fighter jet entered service in 1997. In 2003, however, a Hornet skidded off the runway at Kuching International Airport after one of its tyres exploded. Both crew members ejected to safety. In 2017, an RMAF Hornet made an emergency landing at the same airport after experiencing a landing gear issue. In 2019, a Hornet experienced a turbine failure during take-off at the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace (LIMA) exhibition. The pilot managed to bring the aircraft back to the airfield on a single engine. RMAF's Hornets The F/A-18 Hornet is an all-weather, supersonic, twin-engine, carrier-capable multirole combat aircraft. Built in the United States by McDonnell Douglas, the two-seat F/A-18D is equipped with an upgraded Hughes APG-73 radar and two General Electric F404-GE-402 enhanced-performance engines. The RMAF's Hornets underwent a structural overhaul in 2011 to extend their lifespan. In 2017, their weapons systems were upgraded as part of a modernisation programme. In 2022, the Hornets underwent heavy maintenance under the "Local Planned Maintenance 12 Years" programme. What's next? Typically, the RMAF's Directorate-General of Technical Airworthiness is tasked with investigating all incidents involving military aircraft. It is understood that Norazlan will hold a press conference later today after visiting the crash site. He is also expected to visit the Hornet's pilot and weapons system officer.
