Incident Overview
On May 6, 2025, a Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) BAe Hawk Mk 208, tail number M40-26, experienced a front landing gear collapse during touchdown at the Alor Setar airbase in Kedah. The aircraft landed on its nose, but fortunately, no injuries were reported. This incident adds to a history of mechanical issues involving RMAF’s Hawk fleet, highlighting concerns about the aging aircraft’s reliability.
Background on the Hawk Mk 208
The BAe Hawk Mk 208 is a single-seat light combat aircraft developed by BAE Systems. Malaysia acquired 18 units in the 1990s, with deliveries completed by 1996. The Hawk 208 is equipped with advanced avionics, including the AN/APG-66H radar, and serves both training and light attack roles within the RMAF. Despite upgrades, the fleet’s age has raised concerns about maintenance and operational safety .
Historical Context of Hawk Incidents
Since 1996, the RMAF has experienced multiple incidents involving Hawk aircraft:
June 18, 1996: A Hawk 108 crashed during training near Butterworth; no casualties. July 23, 1996: A Hawk crashed near Labuan Airport; both pilots survived. September 10, 1998: A Hawk 208 crashed in Kelantan, resulting in one fatality. December 18, 2003: A Hawk 100 crashed off Kuantan, killing two pilots. June 15, 2017: A Hawk 108 crashed near the Pahang-Terengganu border; both pilots perished. November 16, 2021: A Hawk 108 crashed at Butterworth Air Base; one pilot died, another injured .
These incidents underscore recurring issues with the Hawk fleet, prompting discussions on aircraft longevity and safety.
Factors Contributing to the Incident
While the exact cause of the May 6 incident is under investigation, several factors could have contributed:
Aging Airframe: The Hawk 208s have been in service for nearly three decades, and structural fatigue could lead to mechanical failures. Maintenance Challenges: Sustaining older aircraft requires meticulous maintenance. Any lapses can result in component failures. Operational Stress: Regular training and missions impose stress on the aircraft, potentially exacerbating wear and tear.
It’s essential to note that aircraft accidents often result from a combination of factors rather than a single cause .
RMAF’s Modernization Efforts
Recognizing the need to update its fleet, the RMAF has initiated the Light Combat Aircraft/Fighter Lead-In Trainer (LCA/FLIT) program. This initiative aims to replace aging platforms like the Hawk 208 with modern aircraft, ensuring enhanced safety and operational capability. The program is part of the broader “CAP55” modernization plan, which outlines the RMAF’s strategic goals leading up to 2055 .
Conclusion
The front landing gear collapse of the Hawk Mk 208 on May 6 serves as a stark reminder of the challenges associated with operating aging military aircraft. While the RMAF has maintained its fleet diligently, the incident underscores the urgency of fleet modernization to ensure the safety of personnel and the effectiveness of operations
