2008/01 - Cessna Incident

2008

The RSAF intercepted a Cessna 208 in Singapore’s airspace, showcasing its high readiness and air defence capabilities.

On the evening of 22 January 2008, a repeat of the September 11 terror attack almost occurred within Singapore’s airspace. It was nearing the end of the work day when Air Traffic Controllers detected an unknown light aircraft heading towards the island without an approved flight plan. The RSAF raised the alarm and called into action its air defence systems.

Despite bad weather conditions, two F-16D fighter jets took off at 6.42pm and managed to detect the errant aircraft, a Cessna 208 turboprop plane, with their on-board avionics. The RSAF’s Ground Based Air Defence units were also on standby.

After the Cessna’s pilot was warned to comply with instructions or risk getting shot down, the plane was escorted to land at Changi Airport, where the police and civil aviation authorities took over. That day, Singapore's airspace had to be closed for 50 minutes.

Seaplane with red and blue trim parked on a runway with palm trees in background.

The Cessna 208 that was intercepted by the RSAF.

Newspaper article: "RSAF jets scramble to intercept civilian aircraft" in large font. Text below details incident.

The incident made the news following the 50-minute closure of Singapore's airspace.

Two pilots climbing into a fighter jet on a ladder while ground crew observes.

Aircrew were ordered to scramble when an unknown aircraft was detected heading towards Singapore with no approved flight plan.

Two gray fighter jets flying in formation against a pale blue sky.

The two F-16D Pilots used their on-board avionics to detect the Cessna when they were activated in bad weather conditions.

“Looking back, this incident demonstrated the importance of the RSAF maintaining a high state of readiness, and the SAF maintaining 24/7 vigilance in homeland security, in order to safeguard our nation against any threats to our sovereignty.”

MAJ Stanley Selva, Pilot, Air Combat Command, 2008 who intercepted the Cessna 208 that flew into Singapore without an approved flight plan

“I still remember it clearly. In the midst of the hive of activity in our operations room, I looked around with immense pride. I saw the RSAF core values – professionalism and team excellence – in action. Everyone in the team performed their roles admirably.”

LTC Chow Tze Ming, Air Warfare Officer (Command, Control and Communications), 2008 on the RSAF's exemplary teamwork in response to the Cessna's intrusion