Lipa City:Batangas The Philippine Air Force (PAF) has confirmed the tragic deaths of four pilots following an accident involving two SF-260 aircraft during a training flight in Lipa City, Batangas, on Friday afternoon.

According to Philippines News Agency, the incident occurred during a routine training flight at Fernando Air Base on October 23, 2026, at 351 p.m. Both aircraft crashed within the base perimeter, and no other casualties have been reported. Air Force spokesperson Col. Alvin Jay Capinguian announced the loss and stated that an investigation is underway to ascertain the cause of the accident.

The PAF has grounded its SF-260 fleet, which is utilized for training and light attack missions, as a precautionary measure. Col. Capinguian emphasized the Air Force's commitment to honoring the service and sacrifice of the deceased pilots and mentioned that they are working closely with the families of the fallen to provide the necessary support.

In light of the tragic event, the PAF has appealed to the public to respect the privacy of the bereaved families during this challenging period. The SF-260 aircraft is known for its use as both an aerobatic and military trainer plane.