Manila, October 24 (TNA) Four Philippine Air Force pilots were killed after two SF-260 trainer aircraft crashed during a training flight at Fernando Air Base in Batangas province, south of Manila, the military said on Saturday.
The accident occurred on Friday around 3:51 p.m. local time in Lipa City. Both aircraft crashed within the air base’s premises, and no other casualties were reported. Local media reports said the two planes collided mid-air during the training exercise. However, the Philippine Air Force has not yet confirmed the precise cause of the crash, and an investigation is underway.
SF-260 Fleet Grounded
The four aircrew members aboard the two aircraft included two first lieutenants, a captain and a major. Other aircraft involved in the training activity reportedly landed safely. As a precautionary measure, the Philippine Air Force has temporarily grounded its fleet of SF-260 trainer aircraft pending the completion of the investigation. Authorities have also launched emergency-response and site-assessment operations at the air base.
The SF-260 aircraft are used by the Philippine Air Force for pilot training. Officials are expected to determine whether technical failure, operational conditions or other factors contributed to the fatal crash.