Philippine Air Force Grounds SF-260 Fleet After Crash Kills Four Pilots

Four Philippine Air Force pilots were killed when two SF-260 trainer aircraft crashed during a training flight at Fernando Air Base in Lipa City, Batangas province, on October 23, 2026. The accident was logged at 3:51 p.m. local time. Both aircraft went down within the base perimeter, and no other casualties were reported. The PAF confirmed the deaths in a statement on October 24, temporarily grounded its entire SF-260 fleet pending investigation, and said it was coordinating with families to provide assistance. At the families' request, the PAF asked the public to respect their privacy. The Air Force has not disclosed the identities of the four pilots or how many were aboard each aircraft. Local media reports said the planes collided in midair; GMA News said it obtained video footage showing a midair collision. The military has not publicly confirmed that account as the established cause. The PAF said it mourns the loss of four pilots and that their courage, dedication, and service be remembered. The crash follows a fatal SF-260 accident in May in northern Philippines that killed two pilots and a 2023 training accident that also killed two pilots. The cause has yet to be determined. The PAF said an inquiry is underway.