KUCHING: A fighter jet belonging to the Royal Malaysian Air Force skidded on the runway of the Kuching International Airport here, yesterday.
The RMAF has not issued any statement on the incident but, it is learnt that the multi-purpose F-18D Hornet had a punctured tyre which caused it to skid on the runway upon landing.
Pilot Mohd Nor Rashid Samingin, 41, and his assistant, Abdul Wahab Ayub, 31, ejected from their seats for a safe exit from the plane amid a downpour during the 4.30pm incident.
Several fire engines from the Fire and Rescue Department and the airport's own fire brigade, rushed to the scene after being alerted.
 |
GROUNDED: Firemen and airport personnel checking on the Hornet after the incident at the Kuching International Airport Saturday. |
The two pilots, it is learnt, were immediately taken to the Sarawak General Hospital for observation.
The plane was one of six craft from the RMAF base in Labuan that had been carrying out an air exercise here since the past week, ahead of the Miri Air Carnival tomorrow.
According to a witness, there was an explosion as the plane was about to land.
The incident caused disruptions to several scheduled commercial flights at the airport.
