World · Philippines Bureau
Four PAF pilots killed as two training aircraft collide over Batangas
The Philippine Air Force confirmed the deaths of four pilots following a mid-air collision involving two SF-260 trainer jets during a training mission in Batangas province. The Air Force has suspended operations of its entire SF-260 fleet pending investigation into the incident.
LSN Philippines ·
MANILA — Four Philippine Air Force pilots perished when two SF-260 aircraft collided during a training flight over Batangas province on Friday, the PAF announced Saturday. Both aircraft crashed within the same operational area, marking one of the deadliest aviation incidents involving the service's trainer fleet in recent years.
The Air Force immediately grounded all SF-260 aircraft across its inventory as a precautionary measure while military investigators examine the circumstances surrounding the collision. Initial reports indicate both planes were conducting routine training operations when the accident occurred, though specifics regarding the cause remain under investigation.
The SF-260 is a single-engine, two-seat turboprop aircraft widely used by air forces across Asia for primary flight training. The Philippine Air Force maintains a substantial fleet of the aircraft for pilot development programs.
Investigators will examine multiple factors including weather conditions, pilot communication protocols, and aircraft maintenance records. The Air Force has not released the identities of the four deceased pilots pending notification of next of kin.