4 PAF pilots killed in training mishap

MANILA, Philippines — Four Philippine Air Force (PAF) pilots died in a mid-air collision between two trainer aircraft over Fernando Air Base in Lipa City, Batangas Friday afternoon.

PAF spokesman Col. Alvin Jay Capinguian confirmed the incident which happened during a flyby exercise – a coordinated flight where military aircraft operate in tight formations at low altitudes.

The PAF said it “mourns the loss of four pilots in an aviation accident involving two SF-260 aircraft during a training flight at Fernando Air Base on October 23, 2026, at 3:51 p.m.”

The PAF has yet to release the names of the pilots who were killed in the incident.

While confirming circulating videos of the mishap online, the military said both Marchetti aircraft, with tail numbers 032 and 037, went down within the base perimeter, with no casualties on the ground reported.

Of the seven aircraft in the exercise, five landed safely after the incident.

“An investigation is underway to determine the cause of the accident, while all SF-260 aircraft have been temporarily grounded as a precautionary safety measure,” the PAF said.

Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro Jr. said the investigation will cover all aspects – from flight plan to maintenance and command leadership.

“Let’s wait for the investigation. There will be no shortcut in the investigation,” said Teodoro, who was in Baguio City for the 128th founding anniversary of the Philippine Military Academy.

Accounts from witnesses confirmed that the two aircraft collided mid-air while performing flyby maneuvers.

“The PAF honors the service and sacrifice of our fallen aviators and is coordinating with their bereaved families to provide necessary assistance.”

“We respectfully appeal to the public to respect their privacy during this difficult time,” the PAF said citing requests from the families of the fatalities.

The PAF confirmed the incident Friday night but did not provide additional information on the fatalities or injuries.

“Immediate response measures were activated upon the occurrence of the incident,” the military announced hours after the mishap. — Arnel Ozaeta, Ed Amoroso