Pilot Ejects Safely as Indonesian Air Force Fighter Jet Crashes in Riau Province

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com – A BAE Hawk 209 fighter jet with Squadron 12 of the Roesmin Nurjadin Air Force Base crashed on Monday morning in Kampar Regency of Indonesia's Riau Province, with the pilot safely ejecting, the Indonesian Air Force confirmed.

Air Force Spokesman First Marshal Fajar Adriyanto said the pilot, First Lieutenant Apriyanto Ismail of Squadron 12, ejected safely from the aircraft when the crash occurred near Runway 36 of the Roesmin Nurjadin Air Force Base.

“The pilot has been transported to Dr. Soekirman Air Force Hospital of the Roesmin Nurjadin Air Force Base in Pekanbaru for further observation,” said Fajar in a statement.

Also read: Indonesian Air Force Jet Crashes Near Runway in Riau Province

“The crash involves BAE Hawk 209 fighter jet and registered as TT-0209,” he added. 

The Air Force team is still investigating the cause of the crash.

Also read: Sale of Indonesian Foods Overseas Weather Corona Outbreak

Head of Kubang Jaya Village in the Kampar Regency Tarmizi, who only goes by one name, said he received the information regarding the crash at around 7.30 am.

“The aircraft crashed into a residential area and I am here at the scene,” said Tarmizi in a telephone interview.

Roesmin Nurjadin Air Force Base Spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Sus M. Zukri said that the pilot was found about 30 meters from the aircraft and survived the accident.