Comprehensive investigation on aircraft crash

The Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) is conducting a comprehensive investigation on the crash involving its trainer aircraft in Kampung Pandan Dalam, Nenasi, Pahang on Tuesday.

RMAF chief General Tan Sri Roslan Saad said the investigation to be conducted on the Aermacchi MB-339 encompassed numerous aspects including technical, training and human errors.

"We find the incident pointed to technical problems at the interim level but it is not yet confirmed and investigation is still ongoing.

"It will take time to find out what happened, it depends on the situation. Sometimes, we have to take the analysis to a higher level," he told reporters after opening a passing out parade at the Air Force Training Institute here, today.

A total 353 recruits ended their six-month basic military training since Dec 31.

In the incident at 12.45 pm, flight trainee Lieutenant Mohd Hakimi Hairi broke a leg while instructor, Major Nazrul Hafiz Zaimi was unscatched.

Commenting further on the incident, he said RMAF had a group of experienced officers to conduct the investigation.

Roslan said RMAF would also examine the engine of the trainer aircraft to determine if it could be reused.

He said RMAF would not compromise on safety and had a stringent regulation before a flight took place.

"We have several check lists, guides, directives which have to be followed. We will look at all to determine if they are okay or not okay, an aircraft can only fly if all are successful," he said.

Meanwhile, Roslan lauded the statement of Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein Khamis that a comprehensive audit on all RMAF assets would be implemented by a third party to ensure they were in the best conditions.

Hishamuddin said the audit process must be conducted promptly to avoid any untoward incident.