Engine Failure May Have Caused Malaysian CN-235 Aircraft Crash: Local Media Reports

The Royal Malaysian Air Force’ (RMAF) CN-235 medium lift tactical transport aircraft that caught fire and crashed earlier today might be due to an engine failure.

According to Straitstimes news daily, the police said that the plane was downed due to a case of engine failure.

“From the pictures circulating, it appears that the port engine caught fire, which led to the ditching,” Malaysiandefence, a web based news portal reported earlier today.

The CN-235-220M – M44-07 – was taking part in the flypast rehearsals of the Colours Award ceremony scheduled for next Monday when it developed mechanical trouble about 8.40am, according to news website.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak has called on the authorities to probe the incident immediately.

RMAF in a statement said it will form a team to investigate the cause of the incident and added that efforts would also be made to recover the aircraft.

Malaysia owns eight Airbus Military/CASA CN-235 Medium-Lift Tactical Transport. Its primary military roles include maritime patrol, surveillance, and air transport.

All eight army officers on board the plane managed to escape unharmed and were rescued by local fishermen