Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein expressed his thankfulness when all four of Indonesia's Jupiter aerobatic pilots involved in the mid-air plane collision today, survived.

He said although the group of pilots was involved in an accident, they were still eager to continue with the show.

"I am thankful that all of them survived. Thank God, they (the Jupiter pilot group) remain vibrant. Their morale is high," he told reporters at the Langkawi District Hospital.

He had earlier visited all four pilots involved along with his counterpart from Indonesia, Ryamizard Ryacudu.

All four of them are in stable condition with only minor injuries and are being closely monitored by doctors and medical personnel at the hospital.

According to hospital staff, the four Indonesian pilots had also undergone scanning procedures to check for possible internal injuries.


Hishammuddin
Hishammuddin (centre) and Indonesian Defence Minister, Ryamizard Ryacudu (second, right) giving words of support to one of the pilots who were involved in the crash of two Indonesian Jupiter aircraft during practice, at Langkawi Hospital on Sunday. Also seen is RMAF chief Tan Sri Zulkifeli Mohd Zin (left). - BERNAMApic


Meanwhile, Hishamuddin said he was satisfied with the search and rescue operations to save the pilots.
He was speaking to reporters during a visit to Langkawi International Convention Center (LIEC) in Kuah, where the Asean Defence Ministers meeting was held.

"I am satisfied with the SAR operation and the time taken by the force to rescue the pilots involved," he said.

Regarding the participation of team Jupiter in the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace (LIMA), he said it would depend on the rules, but the Indonesian pilots were still in high spirits.

Two Jupiter planes carrying four passengers crashed after colliding with each other at 2.04pm during a training drill at the 2015 Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace (LIMA) exhibition today.

The two aircraft crashed at Permandangan Indah, Padang Mat Sirat and Kampung Gelam, Kedawang.