Media Release

AIR FORCE F-111 AIRCRAFT CRASHES DURING EXERCISE

A Royal Australian Air Force F-111 aircraft crashed overnight while taking part in a multi-national exercise near Malaysia. The two man crew is missing.

The G Model F-111, from Nº 6 Squadron at RAAF Amberley in Queensland, was taking part in one of the regular Integrated Air Defence Systems (IADS) exercises held in the area.

One of two F-111s involved in a maritime strike mission, the aircraft crashed in the vicinity of a small island peak in the South China Sea off the east coast of the Malay Peninsula.

The aircraft was reported to have hit the peak, one of two on the small island of Pulau Aur about 10.30pm (AEST).

The second aircraft remained in the area until naval vessels arrived to start a land and sea search. The Royal Australian Navy frigate, HMAS Canberra, was among the first ships on the scene, along with two Royal Navy vessels.

The multi-national search effort also extended to the air with a Royal Australian Navy Sea King helicopter and a HS748 fixed wing aircraft joining a British Lynx helicopter from HMS Glasgow and a Republic of Singapore Air Force F50 Maritime Patrol Aircraft.

The crew's Next of Kin have been advised of the incident and an Accident Investigation Team will leave for Singapore this morning. The cause of the crash is not known.

A press conference will be held at RAAF Base Amberley at 2pm. For details of the press conference call Phil Smith on 0411 205570.

Issued by the Defence Public Affairs Organisation, Department of Defence, Canberra, ACT, 2600

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