Philippines probes fatal SF-260 midair collision that killed four PAF pilots

The Philippines’ Department of National Defense (DND) has opened an investigation into a crash involving two Philippine Air Force (PAF) SF-260 trainer aircraft at Fernando Air Base in Lipa City, Batangas, on October 23, 2026, which killed all four pilots on board.

In a statement reported by The Philippine Daily Inquirer, the DND said the probe “will be conducted thoroughly and objectively to establish the facts, determine the causes, and identify any gaps that require corrective action and prevent similar tragedies.” The department added that it remains committed “to transparency, accountability, and ensuring the safety of our personnel.”

Probe to cover training, maintenance and command

Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. said the investigation will cover flight planning, administrative procedures, pilot training, maintenance and command leadership. Investigators will also assess the attitude and aptitude of both the student and instructor pilots.

According to Teodoro, investigators will trace the aircraft’s maintenance records and preserve any parts that can be salvaged. They will also review the past performance of the pilots involved and carry out toxicology tests if samples are still available. Teodoro said toxicology examinations after fatal accidents are standard procedure and should not be skipped.

The Air Force Safety Office will lead the investigation. Teodoro told local reporters that the office had been strengthened to make it “almost independent” and is working with other experts, “so the truth about all accidents will come out. Nothing will be concealed.” 

He added that the PAF is open to bringing in technical expertise from other agencies or partner countries if needed.

ABS-CBN News reported that Teodoro described this as the third such accident, raising the possibility of a systemic problem.

Asked whether the age of the fleet played a role, Teodoro said any findings on maintenance or modernization would be made public. He noted that age alone does not make an aircraft unsafe, pointing out that other armed forces operate even older trainers. 

Teodoro cautioned against speculation while the investigation is underway. He warned that premature conclusions could unfairly implicate individuals or shield those responsible. He cited the US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) as an example. “Even in the NTSB they’re very careful in releasing information because it must be factual and not speculative,” he said, as quoted by Inquirer.

Teodoro explained that the aircraft were conducting military training that includes close formation flying, a core tactical skill that reduces an aircraft group’s radar signature.

Second fatal SF-260 crash in five months

The accident happened at 15:51 local time on October 23, 2026, during a training flight involving two single-engine SF-260 aircraft. 

Both aircraft came down within the base perimeter, and no other casualties were reported. 

The PAF has grounded its entire SF-260 fleet as a precaution while the investigation continues. “The Philippine Air Force 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. We extend our heartfelt condolences to their bereaved families, loved ones, and fellow airmen,” the PAF said in a Facebook statement.

The PAF said it is assisting the families and asked the public to respect their privacy.

The accident came five months after another fatal SF-260 crash. On May 20, 2026, an SF-260 went down in Tuba, Benguet, after a long-range navigation training flight, killing an instructor pilot and her student.

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