Four pilots have died after two military aircraft collided during a training flight at Fernando Air Base in the Philippines on October 23, 2026.
The Philippine Air Force (PAF) said the accident occurred at approximately 3:51pm while the two SF-260 aircraft were taking part in a training exercise at the base, located south of the capital, Manila.
Both aircraft crashed within the air base’s perimeter. No injuries or additional casualties were reported on the ground, according to a military spokesman.
Footage Captures Aircraft Colliding Mid-Air
Video footage showed the two SF-260 aircraft flying at low altitude alongside several other planes shortly before the collision.
The aircraft appeared to make contact in mid-air, producing a burst of smoke. Both then rapidly lost altitude before crashing within the base grounds.
The military described the incident as accidental but did not provide further details about the circumstances surrounding the collision.
Entire SF-260 Fleet Grounded Pending Investigation
The Philippine Air Force has temporarily grounded its entire fleet of SF-260 aircraft while an investigation into the crash continues.
In a statement, the military confirmed the deaths and said authorities were working to establish the cause of the accident.
“The Philippine Air Force (PAF) mourns the loss of four pilots in an aviation accident involving two SF-260 aircraft during a training flight at Fernando Air Base on October 23, 2026, at 3.51pm,” the statement said.
“An investigation is underway to determine the cause of the accident, while all SF-260 aircraft have been temporarily grounded as a precautionary safety measure.”
The military also said it was coordinating with the families of the deceased pilots to provide assistance.
Military Appeals for Privacy for Bereaved Families
The Philippine Air Force expressed condolences to the families of the four pilots and paid tribute to their service.
“The PAF honours the service and sacrifice of our fallen aviators and is coordinating with their bereaved families to provide necessary assistance,” the statement said.
The military also appealed to the public to respect the families’ privacy during the mourning period, saying the request had been made by the relatives.
Previous Deadly Aircraft Crashes in the Philippines
The latest incident follows other fatal aviation accidents involving military personnel in the Philippines.
Last year, one US soldier and three defence contractors were killed when a surveillance aircraft crashed in the southern Philippines.
In 2021, at least 45 people died when a Philippine Air Force aircraft carrying troops crashed while landing in the southern province of Sulu.
The aircraft missed the runway and burst into flames in the mountainous town of Patikul. The victims included 42 soldiers and three civilians on the ground.
Military Exercises in Region Draw Beijing’s Objections
The latest crash comes amid increased naval exercises around the Philippines involving the United States and its partners.
The drills have prompted objections from Beijing, which claims the entire South China Sea and has accused Manila of cooperating with other countries to destabilise the region.
The military has not indicated whether the ongoing regional exercises are connected to the training flight during which the two SF-260 aircraft collided.
