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PAF Trainer Aircraft Crashes In Benguet; Two Pilots Killed In Training Flight
Photo credit: PIA Benguet
A Philippine Air Force (PAF) SF-260 trainer aircraft crashed in Cabuyao, Tuba, Benguet at around 10:20 a.m. on Tuesday, May 20, 2026, during a long navigation training mission under the Military Pilot Training Program.
The aircraft was one of 11 planes that had taken off earlier from Fernando Air Base, Lipa City for a scheduled training flight en route to Baguio City when the incident occurred.
The PAF confirmed that two pilots were onboard the aircraft at the time of the crash. Initial reports from responders in the area said both pilots were found unconscious and were rushed to a hospital in Baguio City for urgent medical treatment. However, both later died due to multiple injuries sustained in the crash.
The aircraft involved was identified as a SIAI-Marchetti SF.260, a light trainer commonly used for basic and advanced flight instruction.
The crash site in Tuba, Benguet was immediately secured as military and emergency responders conducted recovery and safety operations.
In a statement, the Philippine Air Force expressed deep condolences to the families of the fallen pilots, assuring them of full assistance and support during this difficult period.
Authorities have launched a formal investigation to determine what led to the crash. The PAF said it is coordinating with relevant units to gather flight data, maintenance records, and witness accounts as part of standard accident inquiry procedures.
The SF-260 is widely used in military pilot training due to its agility and reliability in basic flight instruction. However, like all training operations, long navigation exercises carry operational risks, particularly when multiple aircraft are flying in formation over mountainous terrain such as northern Luzon.
The PAF said further verified updates will be released as the investigation progresses.
The aircraft was one of 11 planes that had taken off earlier from Fernando Air Base, Lipa City for a scheduled training flight en route to Baguio City when the incident occurred.
The PAF confirmed that two pilots were onboard the aircraft at the time of the crash. Initial reports from responders in the area said both pilots were found unconscious and were rushed to a hospital in Baguio City for urgent medical treatment. However, both later died due to multiple injuries sustained in the crash.
The aircraft involved was identified as a SIAI-Marchetti SF.260, a light trainer commonly used for basic and advanced flight instruction.
The crash site in Tuba, Benguet was immediately secured as military and emergency responders conducted recovery and safety operations.
In a statement, the Philippine Air Force expressed deep condolences to the families of the fallen pilots, assuring them of full assistance and support during this difficult period.
Authorities have launched a formal investigation to determine what led to the crash. The PAF said it is coordinating with relevant units to gather flight data, maintenance records, and witness accounts as part of standard accident inquiry procedures.
The SF-260 is widely used in military pilot training due to its agility and reliability in basic flight instruction. However, like all training operations, long navigation exercises carry operational risks, particularly when multiple aircraft are flying in formation over mountainous terrain such as northern Luzon.
The PAF said further verified updates will be released as the investigation progresses.
May 20, 2026
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