A pilot from Iguig, Cagayan, was among four Philippine Air Force personnel killed after two SF-260 military training aircraft collided at Fernando Air Base in Lipa City, Batangas, on October 23, 2026, prompting a temporary suspension of all SF-260 aircraft operations pending an investigation. ADD APTIKONS ON GOOGLE

LIPA CITY, Batangas, Philippines — A pilot from Iguig, Cagayan, was among four Philippine Air Force (PAF) personnel killed when two military training aircraft collided at Fernando Air Base in Lipa City, Batangas, on Friday, October 23, 2026.

The deceased pilot was identified as 1st Lieutenant Angeleo Adrian Peñaflor. The accident occurred during a training flight involving two SF-260 aircraft, according to the information provided about the incident.

Both aircraft crashed within the air base compound following the collision. Authorities reported no other fatalities in the incident, while the deaths of the four Air Force personnel prompted an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.

As a precautionary measure, the Philippine Air Force temporarily suspended the operation of all SF-260 aircraft pending the results of the investigation. The suspension is intended to help ensure safety while authorities examine the cause of the collision and assess the circumstances surrounding the training flight.

The Philippine Air Force expressed its condolences over the deaths of the four personnel, recognizing their service and sacrifice for the country. The service also said it was coordinating with the bereaved families to provide assistance during this difficult time.

The PAF further appealed to the public to respect the privacy of the families, in accordance with their request for consideration as they mourn their loved ones.

Investigators continue to examine the incident to establish the exact cause of the midair collision. The findings are expected to help authorities understand what happened and determine any necessary measures to strengthen the safety of future military flight training operations.

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Four PAF Pilots Killed in Batangas Crash as SF-260 Fleet Grounded

Four Philippine Air Force (PAF) pilots were killed when two SF-260 Marchetti training aircraft collided midair during a flight exercise at Fernando Air Base on October 23, 2026, prompting the military to ground its entire SF-260 fleet while investigators determine the cause of the accident. The Philippine Air Force confirmed the fatalities on October 24.

The collision occurred at approximately 3:51 p.m. while the aircraft were participating in a flyby exercise. Both planes crashed within the perimeter of Fernando Air Base in Lipa City, Batangas. No other casualties were reported, according to the Philippine Air Force.

Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. said the investigation would examine all aspects of the incident, including flight planning, pilot training, aircraft maintenance and command leadership. He emphasized that investigators must follow established accident investigation procedures and avoid shortcuts in determining what caused the fatal collision.

As a precautionary measure, the PAF temporarily suspended all SF-260 aircraft operations while the investigation continues. The grounding is intended to address safety concerns as authorities assess the circumstances surrounding the crash. The military has not announced when the aircraft will return to service.

The accident has renewed attention on the safety of the Philippine military’s training aircraft fleet, particularly following another fatal SF-260 crash in Benguet in May 2026. Two Air Force pilots died when an SF-260 aircraft crashed in Tuba, Benguet, during a navigation training flight on May 20.

The SF-260 is an Italian-designed light aircraft used by the Philippine Air Force for pilot training. Certain variants have also been configured for light-attack missions, giving the aircraft a role beyond basic flight instruction.

The latest tragedy highlights the importance of aircraft maintenance, rigorous training procedures and effective safety oversight in military aviation. However, the cause of the October 23 collision has not yet been established, and investigators must complete their inquiry before any conclusions can be drawn about possible technical, operational or human factors.

The Philippine Air Force expressed its condolences to the families of the deceased pilots and said it was coordinating with them to provide assistance. The service also appealed to the public to respect the families’ privacy as they mourn their loss.

As the investigation proceeds, its findings will be important in determining the circumstances of the collision and identifying any necessary changes to military flight-training and aviation safety procedures.