4 pilots killed as two Philippine military aircraft collide during training exercise near Manila

The air force said it has temporarily grounded all its remaining SF-260s. Four pilots were killed after two Philippine Air Force SF-260 aircraft were involved in an accident during a training flight at Fernando Air Base on Friday, the air force said in a statement on Saturday.The air force did not provide details of what it called an accidental crash. (X/@fl360aero)The two aircraft went down within the perimeter of the air base at 3.51 pm on October 23, 2026. No other casualties were reported, according to the Philippine Air Force (PAF).An investigation is underway to determine the cause of the accident, the air force said. All SF-260 aircraft have been temporarily grounded as a precautionary safety measure.The PAF said it was coordinating with the families of the four pilots to provide necessary assistance and paid tribute to the service and sacrifice of the deceased aviators.The Philippine Air Force did not provide further details of the accident. Two Philippine officials familiar with the incident told The Associated Press (AP) that the aircraft collided mid-air. They spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorised to discuss the matter.One of the two-seater aircraft went down near the barracks of military personnel in the air base, a witness told AP.Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read MorePhilippinesWorldGet the latest World News, breaking headlines and global updates from the US, UK, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Russia and other countries. Follow major international events on Hindustan Times.