Malaysian F/A-18: Fire, Fury, and Frequent Flyer Drama

Malaysian F/A-18: Fire, Fury, and Frequent Flyer Drama
Photo by Saim Munib on Unsplash

In an epic Malaysian aerospace soap opera, an F/A-18D Hornet caught fire at Kuantan Air Base during takeoff, with both the pilot, age 34, and weapons system officer, age 28, ejecting safely and healing with 'no serious injuries,' said Gen. Muhamad Norazlan Aris. Not Malaysia's first Hornet mishap, as a 2019 flaming jet reminded locals that engines don’t appreciate surprise foreign visitors mid-flight. Meanwhile, US Navy Super Hornets are joining the party with crashes, carrier spills, and friendly fire. PM Anwar Ibrahim wisely called for a 'thorough investigation' so these jet dramas don't become the next binge-worthy series.

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Source: Businessinsider | Published: 8/23/2025 | Author: Matthew Loh