IPOH: Fajim Juffa Mustafa Kamal did not stop flying even after surviving a crash in Nov 9, 2004 after the MiG-29 fighter he was in developed engine problems.
The father of three was then ejected safely from his aircraft and found at Ketengah Perwira plantation Kemaman in Terengganu.
However, the 52-year-old formerly from the Royal Malaysia Air Force was killed instantly in another crash in Jalan Raja Dr Nazrin Shah here yesterday.
Fajim's aunt, who did not want to be named, said that her nephew did not want to stop flying due to his love for it.
"Fajim's father was also killed in a Nuri crash in Sungai Lundu, Sarawak on Dec 18, 1989.
"Of course, as a family, we are always worried about his safety but I believe Fajim knows himself best," said the 56-year-old aunt when met at the Forensic Unit of Raja Permaisuri Bainun Hospital (HRPB) here.
Fajim first flew for the RMAF before retiring and becoming a pilot for the private sector in 2018.
She added that the last time she met Fajim was during Ramadan when he came to her house in Klebang Damai here to break fast.
"He ate a lot as he loved my cooking. He always complimented my cooking. Whatever I cooked, he said they were all delicious.
"He wanted to visit me again during Hari Raya Aidiladha but for some reason, we did not see each other," she said, adding that he was a chatty, friendly and happy-go-lucky person.
A sombre mood enveloped the atmosphere at the Forensic Unit of the HRPB here as family members and Fajim's friends started gathering at about 11pm.
Fajim's wife and their three children arrived at the HRPB from Semenyih, Selangor at 1.25am. Fajim's wife was seen weak and in shock over the incident. The post-mortem is expected to begin today at 10am.
Meanwhile, Fajim's chief flight instructor Muhammad Din Fikri Zainal Abidin, 62, who was also in the aircraft suffered severe injuries and is currently receiving treatment at the HRPB.
It was reported that the aircraft was handled by Fajim, who was killed at the scene.
The Piper 28 aircraft was flying from BATS Aviation Sdn Bhd (BATS) here.