The air force has temporarily grounded all SF-260 aircraft as a precautionary safety measure while the incident is examined. (AI generated image)PAF Pilots Killed in Midair SF-260 Collision

4 pilots killed as two Philippine Air Force aircraft crash during training in Manilla

Four Philippine Air Force pilots were killed when two SF-260 aircraft crashed during a training flight at Fernando Air Base on October 23. The air force has grounded the fleet pending an investigation.

by · India Today

In Short

  • Crash occurred during training at Fernando Air Base, no other casualties
  • Cause of crash under investigation, details yet to be disclosed
  • PAF supports families and urges respect for their privacy

Four pilots of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) were killed after two SF-260 aircraft crashed during a training flight at Fernando Air Base on October 23, 2026, the PAF said.

The accident occurred at around 3:51 pm local time, with both aircraft going down within the perimeter of the air base. No other casualties were reported, according to the air force.

The PAF confirmed the deaths in a statement, expressing condolences over the loss of the four aviators and paying tribute to their service.

(Credits: Facebook/Phillipine Air Force)

The cause of the accident remains under investigation. The air force has temporarily grounded all SF-260 aircraft as a precautionary safety measure while the incident is examined.

Further details about the circumstances leading to the crash, including whether the aircraft encountered technical problems or other difficulties during the training flight, have not been disclosed.

INVESTIGATION UNDERWAY

The Philippine Air Force said an investigation had been initiated to determine the cause of the accident. The temporary grounding of the SF-260 fleet is intended to address safety concerns while investigators establish what happened.

The SF-260 is a light aircraft used for military training. The aircraft involved in the crash were conducting a training flight when the accident occurred at Fernando Air Base.

The PAF has not provided further information about the identities of the pilots or the specific sequence of events before the two aircraft went down.

AIR FORCE OFFERS SUPPORT TO FAMILIES

The Philippine Air Force said it was coordinating with the families of the deceased pilots to provide the necessary assistance following the accident.

It also appealed to the public to respect the families' privacy during the period of mourning, noting that the request had been made by the bereaved families.

- Ends