4 PAF pilots killed after mid-air collision
THE Philippine Air Force confirmed that two SF-260 aircraft figured in an incident during a training flight at Fernando Air Base in Lipa City, Batangas, at around 3:50 p.m. on Friday.
Photograph courtesy of philippine air force
Four Philippine Air Force pilots were killed when two SF-260 aircraft collided in midair during a training flight at Fernando Air Base in Lipa City, Batangas, the PAF said.
The collision occurred at 3:51 p.m. Friday, according to the Air Force. Both aircraft crashed within the base perimeter, and no other casualties were reported.
PAF spokesperson Col. Alvin Jay Capinguian said response teams were immediately deployed to secure the area and assess the situation.
“Our primary priority remains the safety and welfare of the personnel involved, as well as the individuals within the vicinity of the incident site,” Capinguian said.
The PAF said an investigation is underway to determine the cause of the accident.
All SF-260 aircraft have been temporarily grounded as a precaution.
The Air Force said it was coordinating with the pilots’ families to provide assistance and asked the public to respect their privacy at the families’ request.