Four Philippine Air Force pilots were killed when two SF-260 trainer aircraft collided during a training flight at Fernando Air Base in Lipa City, Batangas, on 23 October. The aircraft crashed inside the base perimeter at about 3:51 p.m. local time, with no ground casualties reported. The PAF has temporarily grounded its remaining SF-260 fleet while investigators determine the cause of the accident.
The aircraft were taking part in a seven-aircraft exercise and were reportedly conducting a low-altitude flyby or formation manoeuvre when they collided. Five other SF-260s landed safely. The two aircraft have been identified by tail numbers 032 and 037.
PAF spokesperson Col. Alvin Jay Capinguian confirmed the fatalities and described the event as an aviation accident. Subsequent accounts characterised it as a mid-air collision, although the precise sequence has not been established. The investigation will examine the circumstances of the flight, including training, leadership, planning and aircraft maintenance, but no cause has been assigned.
The identities of the four pilots had not been released in the initial reports. The grounding remains a precautionary measure affecting the PAF’s SF-260 training fleet pending the investigation’s findings.