All SF-260 Flights Grounded After Fatal Fernando Air Base Crash

All SF-260 training aircraft in the Philippine Air Force fleet have been grounded following a fatal crash at Fernando Air Base in Batangas province that killed four pilots.

The accident occurred on Friday during a training flight, when two SF-260 aircraft crashed within the base's boundaries at about 3:51 pm local time. The Philippine Air Force confirmed the incident and the deaths of the four pilots on Saturday.

The air force said it has launched an investigation to find out the causes and circumstances of the crash. Until that probe is completed, the entire SF-260 fleet will not be allowed to fly as a precautionary measure.

In an official press statement, the service expressed sorrow over the loss of its four pilots. It said the crash involved two SF-260 aircraft on a training flight on October 23, 2026, at 3:51 pm, and that there were no reports of anyone injured on the ground.

The PAF said it honours the service and sacrifice of the fallen pilots and remains in contact with their families to provide every possible help. Following the families' request, the public has been asked to respect their privacy at this difficult time.

No further information has been released about the identities of the pilots or the specific conditions surrounding the crash.

The air force has yet to say when the SF-260 aircraft will be allowed to resume flying. The grounding is intended to address safety concerns while the investigation continues.

The SF-260 is a light aircraft used for training military pilots. Both aircraft involved in Friday's crash were on a training mission when they went down inside the air base.