The Department of National Defense (DND) of the Philippines has launched an investigation into a fatal midair collision involving two Philippine Air Force (PAF) SF-260 trainer aircraft. The accident occurred on October 23, 2026, at Fernando Air Base in Lipa City, Batangas, resulting in the deaths of all four pilots on board. In an official statement, the defense ministry affirmed its commitment to conducting a thorough and objective investigation to establish the facts, determine the underlying causes, and identify systemic gaps to prevent future occurrences.
Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. stated that the investigation will encompass flight planning, administrative procedures, pilot training, fleet maintenance, and command leadership. Investigators will trace the maintenance records of both single-engine aircraft, preserve salvaged components, examine the historical performance of the involved pilots, and perform toxicology testing if suitable samples remain available. The Air Force Safety Office is leading the probe, with Teodoro noting that the military remains open to seeking external technical assistance from partner nations if necessary.
The collision took place at 15:51 local time during a routine military training flight focused on close formation maneuvers. Both SF-260 aircraft impacted the ground within the perimeter of Fernando Air Base, and no additional casualties or ground damage were reported. Following the incident, the Philippine Air Force implemented a precautionary grounding of its entire operational SF-260 fleet while investigators evaluate potential contributing factors and safety procedures.
The crash marks the second fatal mishap involving the Philippine Air Force's SF-260 fleet in recent months. Earlier on May 20, 2026, an SF-260 trainer crashed in Tuba, Benguet, following a long-range navigation training mission, killing both an instructor pilot and her student. Defense officials cautioned against premature speculation while formal investigative processes are underway, emphasizing that official findings will be made public once verified facts are established.
