Subang, Malaysia, Aug. 15 – A Kamov Ka-32S helicopter registered UR-CIT caught fire during an engine ground run at Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport, also known as Subang Airport, in Selangor, Malaysia, on 15 August 2026. The Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia confirmed the incident occurred at approximately 12.28 pm while the Ukrainian-registered aircraft underwent maintenance testing on the ground. Four Ukrainian nationals on board safely evacuated the helicopter, though one individual outside sustained injuries from flying debris. Firefighters from the Selangor Fire and Rescue Department responded swiftly after receiving the emergency call at 12.30 pm and found the aircraft fully engulfed in flames upon arrival.
The helicopter fire at Subang Airport led to the temporary closure of the runway, suspending all arrivals and departures until further notice. Eight inbound flights were diverted to alternative airports while three outbound services experienced delays as airport authorities prioritised safety protocols. Malaysia Airports later announced that the runway reopened around 3.00 pm following successful completion of final safety inspections, allowing operations to resume progressively. Passengers affected by the disruption were advised to contact their airlines for updated flight information amid the Subang Airport helicopter incident.
#BREAKING
— Aero News Journal-Daily Aviation News (@FlyingFreak73) August 15, 2026
🚨 Helicopter 🚁 fire at Subang Airport (Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah)
A Ukrainian-registered Kamov Ka-32S (UR-CIT) caught fire/exploded during a ground engine run as part of maintenance activities this afternoon (12:28pm).
All four Ukrainian crew members escaped (one person… pic.twitter.com/xlvyuUlUAR
Authorities emphasised that the Kamov Ka-32S UR-CIT fire remains under active investigation by the Air Accident Investigation Bureau of the Transport Ministry in accordance with civil aviation regulations. Initial reports indicated the blaze developed during routine post-maintenance engine testing activities near Taxiway Victor. The complete destruction of the helicopter underscored the rapid intensity of the fire, yet the absence of fatalities highlighted effective emergency response measures at the busy aviation facility.
This Subang Airport helicopter fire involving the Ukrainian Kamov Ka-32S has drawn attention to ongoing aviation safety standards and maintenance procedures in Malaysia. The Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia continues to monitor the situation closely as the Air Accident Investigation Bureau gathers evidence to determine the precise cause of the engine ground run incident. Airport operations have returned to normal, reinforcing the resilience of infrastructure at Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport following the temporary flight disruptions.