Philippines: 4 Air Force Pilots Killed as Two Trainer Planes Crash at Air Base During Training Flight

Manila: Four Philippine Air Force (PAF) pilots were killed after two SF-260 trainer aircraft crashed during routine training flights on Friday. The two aircraft collided in the air, according to local media reports. The crash took place at Fernando Air Base in Lipa City, Batangas. Both aircraft came down inside the air base. All four pilots on board the two aircraft died.

Air Force grounds all SF-260 aircraft after four pilots die

Emergency response teams were sent to the site soon after the incident. PAF spokesperson Colonel Alvin J Capinguian officially confirmed the crash and expressed deep sorrow.

The Air Force said no other casualties were reported. As a precaution, it has temporarily grounded all its SF-260 aircraft.

What caused the crash?

Military officials have ordered a detailed investigation into the incident. The cause has not yet been determined.

The Air Force said it was coordinating with the families of the fallen pilots to provide assistance and was respecting their privacy.

What is the SF-260 aircraft?

The SF-260 is not a heavy fighter jet. It is a light, propeller-driven trainer and light-attack aircraft. It was designed in the 1960s by the Italian engineer Stelio Frati and is now made by the Italian company Leonardo.

The two-seat aircraft is highly manoeuvrable. The Philippine Air Force uses it for the basic training of new pilots. It has also been used in counter-insurgency operations, such as the 2017 Marawi operation.

Repeated crashes raise safety questions

This is not the first time SF-260 aircraft have crashed in the Philippines. In May 2026, two pilots were killed when an SF-260 crashed in a mountainous area in the north of the country. In 2023, two pilots also died when an aircraft of the same model crashed.

The repeated accidents have raised questions over the Air Force's maintenance budget, reliance on ageing aircraft and pilot training protocols. Some military experts say the training fleet urgently needs to be upgraded with modern technology.