Helicopter catches fire during engine test at Subang airport, four escape but one hit by debris

Four people survived when a Kamov Ka-32 helicopter burst into flames during an engine test at Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport in Subang Jaya, Selangor on August 15, 2926. — Picture courtesy of the Selangor Fire and Rescue Department

By Malay Mail

First Published: Saturday, 15 Aug 2026 2:21 PM MYT

SUBANG JAYA, Aug 15 — A Kamov Ka-32 helicopter caught fire during an engine test at Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport here today, with four people escaping and one person reportedly injured after being struck by debris outside the aircraft.

The Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) confirmed the incident in an X post, saying the runway was closed following the incident and further updates would be issued.

“The fire occurred as the helicopter was about to take off for the purpose of engine testing after repairs,” Selangor Fire and Rescue Department assistant director of operations Ashrul Riezal Asbar said in a statement today.

He said firefighters found the helicopter, registered as UR-CIT in Ukraine, fully engulfed in flames when they arrived after receiving an emergency call at 12.30pm.

The four people on board managed to escape from the helicopter during the fire.

One other person, who was outside the aircraft, was reportedly injured after being struck by debris from the helicopter.

The airport’s Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting Service team also assisted in the firefighting operation.

Five firefighters from the Bukit Jelutong Fire and Rescue Station were deployed with a Fire Rescue Tender to the scene.

The circumstances surrounding the incident are still being investigated.