By Priam F. Nepomuceno
MANILA – The Philippine Air Force (PAF) on Saturday confirmed that four of its pilots were killed in an accident involving two SF-260 aircraft during a training flight in Batangas Friday afternoon.
“The PAF mourns the loss of four pilots in an aviation incident involving two SF-260 trainer aircraft during a routine training flight at Fernando Air Base on Oct. 23, 2026, at 3:51 p.m. Both aircraft went down within the base perimeter, with no other casualties reported,” Air Force spokesperson Col. Alvin Jay Capinguian said in a statement.
He said an investigation is underway to determine the exact cause of the accident.
The PAF SF-260 fleet was ordered grounded as a precautionary measure.
The PAF operates 14 to 16 SF-260 aircraft for training and light attack duties.
“The PAF honors the service and sacrifice of our fallen aviators and is coordinating with their bereaved families to provide necessary assistance,” Capinguian said.
“At the families’ request, we respectfully appeal to the public to respect their privacy during this difficult time.”
The SF-260 is a light aircraft marketed as an aerobatics plane and a military trainer.
