RMAF aircraft crashes at Butterworth airbase

BUTTERWORTH: A Royal Malaysian Air Force pilot was killed while three other officers were injured when the aircraft they were in crashed at the Butterworth airbase yesterday.
The RMAF, in a statement, said the aircraft, a twin-turboprop Beechcraft B200T, was on a training flight from Subang when the accident occurred at 5.18pm as it came in to land.
The deceased has been identified as Penang-born Major C. Kayamboo.
Kayamboo, a father of four, was celebrating his 45th birthday yesterday, said his uncle A. Bijeikumaran, 58.
RMAF said it will form an investigative team to probe the incident.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi expressed sadness over the crash on Twitter.
Ahmad Zahid, who is also home minister, asked family members of those involved in the incident to exercise patience, Bernama reports.
"I am deeply saddened over the RMAF aircraft crash and the death of the pilot and those injured.
"Hopefully, the families will exercise patience," he posted.
According to the RMAF official portal, the ill-fated aircraft had been used for maritime surveillance by the 16 Squadron based at the Subang airbase.
The main task of the 16 Squadron is to provide early warning and immediately report the identification of vessels in territorial waters and the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
The squadron also monitors and reports on activities at oil rigs and fishing zones, monitors and patrols occupied and claimed reefs, and reports on infiltration of illegal immigrants and activities that contribute to marine pollution.