Philippines Air Force Crash: Four Pilots Killed After Two Trainer Aircraft Collide Mid-Air

Manila: A major accident occurred in the Philippines due to a mid-air collision between two training aircraft of the Air Force. Four military pilots died in this accident. The accident occurred Friday during a routine training flight at Fernando Air Base in Batangas province, south of the capital Manila. The Philippines Air Force has confirmed the incident and launched an investigation into the cause of the accident.

According to preliminary information, both the crashed aircraft were trainer aircraft of SF-260 model. During the flight, both the aircraft collided with each other and fell in the air base complex. All four pilots lost their lives in the accident. According to officials, the aircraft fell inside the airbase itself, causing no harm to other people on the ground.

Why were all SF-260 aircraft grounded after the accident?

Following the accident, the Philippines Air Force has temporarily grounded its entire fleet of SF-260 aircraft as a precautionary measure. Now these planes will not be used until the cause of the accident becomes clear.

Investigating agencies are trying to find out the circumstances under which the collision between the two planes took place. In this, the condition of the aircraft during flight, coordination between pilots and technical aspects can be examined. However, the final conclusion regarding the exact cause of the accident has not yet been revealed.

Have accidents happened before with SF-260 planes?

The SF-260 aircraft are part of the Philippines Air Force's training fleet. These are used to provide basic flying training to pilots. Previous accidents involving this model have also raised safety questions.

According to reports, an SF-260 aircraft crashed in a mountainous area in the northern Philippines in May, killing two pilots. At the same time, in 2023, also, an SF-260 TP Marchetti aircraft crashed during a training flight. Two pilots lost their lives in that incident also.

However, no direct link between these incidents has been confirmed. Only after the investigation of the present accident is completed will it be clear whether the accident occurred due to technical fault, flight related conditions or any other reason.

Have SF-260 aircraft also been used in military operations?

The use of SF-260 aircraft has not been limited to training only. The Philippines has also used these aircraft in some military operations. In 2017, these aircraft also played a role during the campaign against terrorists associated with Islamic State in Marawi city of southern Philippines.

During the months-long conflict in Marawi, the Philippines military conducted several military actions, including airstrikes. In such a situation, the security of these aircraft used in training and military activities is important for the Air Force.

At present, after the death of four pilots, the Air Force's focus is on investigating the accident and finding out the cause of the accident. A decision on when to resume flights on SF-260 aircraft will be taken after the findings of the investigation and safety review.