World · Philippines Bureau
Four PAF pilots killed in Batangas aircraft training accident
Two Philippine Air Force SF-260 trainer aircraft collided during a training flight in Batangas on Friday, resulting in the deaths of four pilots. The Air Force confirmed the incident on Saturday and classified it as an aviation accident.
LSN Philippines ·
The Philippine Air Force reported a fatal training accident involving two SF-260 aircraft that went down in Batangas province on Friday. All four pilots aboard the twin-engine trainer jets were killed in the incident, marking a significant loss for the service.
The Air Force initially characterized the event as an "aviation accident" and stated that investigators could not immediately determine whether the aircraft had collided mid-air or if another factor caused the crash. Both planes were conducting routine training operations when the incident occurred.
SF-260 aircraft have been used by the Philippine Air Force for decades as primary trainers for pilot instruction. The service did not immediately release the identities of the deceased pilots or provide additional details regarding the circumstances leading to the accident.
The incident has prompted an investigation into the cause of the crash. The Air Force said it would provide updates as the inquiry progresses and more information becomes available about what transpired during the training mission.