Manila, October 24, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Four Philippine Air Force (PAF) pilots were killed after two SF-260 aircraft crashed during a training flight at Fernando Air Base in Batangas province, the air force confirmed on Saturday.
The accident occurred at around 3:51 p.m. local time on Friday, October 23, with both aircraft going down within the perimeter of Fernando Air Base. No other casualties were reported.
The PAF expressed condolences over the deaths and said an investigation had been launched to determine the circumstances and cause of the crash.
As a precautionary measure, all SF-260 aircraft in the Philippine Air Force fleet have been temporarily grounded while the investigation continues. The air force has not announced when the aircraft will return to service.
“The Philippine Air Force mourns the loss of four pilots in an aviation accident involving two SF-260 aircraft during a training flight at Fernando Air Base on October 23, 2026, at 3:51 PM,” the PAF said in a statement.
It said both aircraft crashed within the base perimeter and that no other casualties were reported.
The air force also said it was coordinating with the families of the deceased pilots to provide necessary assistance. At the families’ request, the PAF appealed to the public to respect their privacy during the bereavement period.
The identities of the four pilots and further details about the circumstances leading to the crash were not immediately disclosed.
The investigation will examine the sequence of events and any factors that may have contributed to the accident. The cause of the crash remains undetermined.
The SF-260 is a light aircraft used by the military for pilot training. The two aircraft involved in the incident were conducting a training mission when they crashed within the air base.
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