Philippines Midair Collision: 4 pilots killed after two Air Force SF-260 planes collide during a training exercise in Batangas

October 24, 2026

Batangas: Four pilots were killed after two military aircraft collided during a training exercise in the Philippines on Friday. The planes went down within the grounds of Fernando Air Base in Batangas province, according to the Philippines Air Force.

The accident involved two SF-260 aircraft. Videos said to show the collision have circulated on social media, drawing attention to the crash. However, the cause of the incident remains unknown.

Following the accident, the Philippines Air Force (PAF) temporarily grounded all SF-260 aircraft as a precaution. An investigation is underway to establish what led to the collision.

The air force has not released the names of the four pilots who died. In its statement, it paid tribute to the deceased and said it was coordinating with their families to provide assistance. The PAF also asked the public to respect the families’ privacy during this difficult time.

Earlier SF-260 Crash Also Killed Two Pilots

The latest accident comes months after another fatal crash involving an SF-260 aircraft in the Philippines.

In May, two military pilots died when their aircraft crashed in Benguet province during a training exercise. They were identified as First Lieutenant Ruth Angelique R Pasos, an instructor, and Second Lieutenant Cherky E Embudo.

The two pilots were travelling from Fernando Air Base towards Baguio when their aircraft crashed in the Cabuyao area of Tuba municipality.

The Philippines Air Force had paid tribute to the pilots, remembering their dedication and service to the country.

An investigation followed the May crash, but investigators were unable to establish a definitive cause. The air force also grounded its fleet of 16 SF-260 aircraft as a precaution after that incident.

With another fatal crash now involving the same aircraft type, investigators will examine the circumstances surrounding Friday’s collision. The cause has not yet been established, and the latest grounding is a precautionary measure while the inquiry continues.