Pilot who was killed in RMAF plane that crashed was supposed to celebrate his birthday

RMAF pilot killed on his birthday

THE STAR

ragic trip: The Beechcraft plane crashed within the RMAF Airbase at Teluk Ayer Tawar, Penang.

 

BUTTERWORTH: Royal Malaysian Airforce pilot C. Kayamboo was supposed to celebrate his 45th birthday with his family. He did not make it home.

His Beechcraft B200T aircraft crashed within the RMAF Airbase at Teluk Ayer Tawar at 5.18pm yesterday.

Kayamboo was killed in the crash while three others were injured. Two of the injured victims were sent to the Seberang Jaya Hospital while one was sent to the Penang Hospital.

At the Seberang Jaya hospital’s mortuary, Kayamboo’s uncle A. Bijaykumaran said that Kayamboo was about to celebrate his birthday yesterday with his family in Taman Sri Nibong.

“He was based in Alor Setar, but planned to go back to Penang to celebrate with his family.

“He has been a pilot with RMAF for many years,” he said, adding that the deceased left behind a wife and three children.

Two other victims are believed to have suffered serious injuries while the third had a broken arm.

The RMAF 16 Squadron, based in Subang, Selangor, uses the B200T for maritime patrol.

The squadron started operations on Oct 1, 1994 with four B200T planes.

The plane is capable of carrying a pilot, a co-pilot, a mission system operator and an observer (aerial photographer).

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak expressed his condolence to Kayamboo’s family.

One of the victims being treated at the Seberang Jaya Hospital. — Bernama

“Received report on the tragedy of aircraft crash @airforcenextgen RMAF official Twitter), sad to know there is a life lost.

“Condolence to the family, comprehensive investigation will be conducted,” said Najib in a Twitter posting yesterday.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi also expressed sadness over the crash.

“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 said on Twitter.

Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein, in a post on his Twitter account, said he had instructed Air Force Chief Gen Datuk Seri Affendi Buang “to personally monitor the probe.”

Armed Forces Chief Gen Tan Sri Raja Mohamed Affandi Raja Mohamed Noor expressed sadness over the incident and said the RMAF would set up a special team to probe the crash.

Bernama reported that there were three other air crashes involving RMAF aircraft this year.