Four Pilots Killed as Two Philippine Military Aircraft Collide Mid-Air Near Manila
Four pilots were killed after two Philippine Air Force (PAF) SF-260 aircraft were involved in an accident during a training flight at Fernando Air Base on Friday, October 23, 2026, the air force said in a statement on Saturday.
According to the Philippine Air Force, the two aircraft went down within the perimeter of the air base at 3:51 pm. No other casualties were reported.
The air force has temporarily grounded all its remaining SF-260 aircraft as a precautionary safety measure following the fatal incident.
Two Philippine officials familiar with the incident told The Press, that the aircraft collided mid-air while flying at a low altitude. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorised to discuss the matter publicly.
The aircraft crashed within the grounds of Fernando Air Base in Lipa City, Batangas province, south of Manila. A witness told AP that one of the two-seater aircraft came down near the barracks where military personnel are housed. No injuries among people on the ground were reported.
The Philippine Air Force has launched an investigation to determine the cause of the accident. However, the air force has not yet released further details about the circumstances leading to the collision or identified the four pilots who lost their lives.
The temporary grounding of the SF-260 fleet is intended as a precaution while investigators examine the incident. The air force has not disclosed how many of these aircraft remain in service.
The Philippine Air Force said it is coordinating with the families of the four deceased pilots to provide the necessary assistance. It also paid tribute to the pilots, acknowledging their service and sacrifice.
The air force has appealed for respect for the families’ privacy as they cope with the loss.
The investigation is expected to establish the circumstances surrounding the crash. Until further findings are released, the precise cause of the mid-air collision remains unknown.
