Crashed hawk aircraft sent for full maintenance early this year: Hishammuddin

KUALA LUMPUR: The Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) Hawk 108 jet fighter aircraft which crashed, killing two pilots, only took to the skies twice after a full maintenance early this year.
Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein said that it is too early to say why the aircraft crashed in Kemaman, Terengganu, yesterday.
"We will conduct a thorough investigation of this crash to see it from all angles, including the technical aspect," he told reporters after handing over Aidilfitri goodies to the Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM) here, today.
The bodies of Major Yazmi Mohamed Yusof, 39, and Major Mohd Hasri Zahari, 31, were found 20m apart with the ejector chutes still attached to them.
They were found in a mangrove swamp in Kampung Kak Yah, Chukai, Kemaman, only 53 km from Kuantan RMAF base.
When asked about the status of the 21 year-old Hawk 108, the minister said there was no need to suspend the operation of the military aircraft.
"The jet fighters are still comfortable to fly. In fact, we will be upgrading the aircraft. Feedback received from the RMAF shows that they are happy with the aircraft.
"One crash should not affect the performance and credibility of the aircraft. What is important now is to ease the burden of the families of both pilots," he added. — Bernama