Pilot and co-pilot survive fiery night crash at Sultan Ahmad Shah Airport, sparks viral footage
A Royal Malaysian Air Force F/A-18D Hornet crashed and exploded twice during a night training exercise in Kuantan on August 21, sending shockwaves across the area. Both the pilot and co-pilot survived and were taken to hospital for checks.
The Incident in Kuantan
The Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) confirmed that one of its F/A-18D Hornet jets crashed at Sultan Ahmad Shah Airport in Kuantan at 9:05pm on August 21 during a night training exercise. Eyewitnesses described hearing deafening blasts and seeing flames rise from the airfield.
Pilots Escape With Injuries
According to Pahang Police Chief Datuk Seri Yahaya Othman, the pilot and co-pilot managed to survive the crash. They were quickly transported to Tengku Ampuan Afzan Hospital for medical examination and were reported to be conscious.
Explosions and Flames Witnessed
Nearby residents reported hearing two separate explosions. Witness Mazlan Abdullah, who was dining across the airbase, said: “After the first explosion, I saw fire and smoke. Then a second blast made the flames spread further, with a strong smell of burning.” Videos of the fiery crash quickly went viral on social media, drawing nationwide attention.
Public Reaction in Kuantan
Some residents initially dismissed the loud blasts as routine military drills, as the airbase often conducts night training. Khairul Azli Syahmie, who lives about one kilometre away, said he only realised the seriousness of the incident after seeing the viral videos online.
RMAF Response
The Royal Malaysian Air Force issued a statement confirming the crash and pledged to investigate the cause. “We will take immediate action and provide updates,” the RMAF said, adding that measures are underway to ensure safety in future training operations.
The Kuantan crash underscores both the risks of high-intensity military training and the importance of safety protocols that saved the lives of the pilot and co-pilot. For Malaysians and neighbouring Singaporeans, the incident highlights the need for vigilance and transparency as both nations depend on strong, reliable defence operations in the region.
Sources: CNN Indonesia (2025) , Detiknews (2025)
Keywords: Malaysia Fighter Jet, F/A-18D Hornet, Kuantan Crash, Pilot Survival, Military Training, Jet Explosion
