Four pilots killed as two military aircraft collide mid-air

Four military pilots have died after two Philippine Air Force aircraft collided mid-air during a training exercise at an air base south of Manila.

According to Channels Television, as reported by Daily Post, the incident occurred Friday afternoon at Fernando Air Base in Batangas province, involving two SF-260 single-propeller training aircraft.

Philippine Air Force spokesman Colonel Alvin Capinguian confirmed the fatalities in a statement on Saturday.

“Both aircraft went down within the base perimeter, with no other casualties reported,” Capinguian said.

The air force immediately launched an investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the collision.

Authorities also temporarily grounded the entire SF-260 fleet as a precautionary measure pending the outcome of investigations.

The tragedy follows previous fatal accidents involving Philippine military aircraft.

In May, two pilots were killed when another SF-260 aircraft crashed during a training mission in Benguet province.

The latest incident has raised fresh concerns about aviation safety during military training exercises.

Authorities have not disclosed the cause of Friday’s collision.