Four Philippine Air Force pilots were killed on Friday when two training aircraft crashed during a flyby rehearsal in Batangas province. The incident took place at Fernando Air Base in Lipa City, according to information released by the air force.
Philippine Air Force spokesperson Col. Alvin Jay Capinguian confirmed that the accident involved two Italian-made Marchetti SF-260 trainer aircraft. Both planes crashed within the perimeter of the air base while conducting the rehearsal. The SF-260 is a military training aircraft used by the Philippine Air Force to prepare and qualify pilots for more advanced flying duties.
The air force stated that no other casualties were reported as a result of the crash. The identities of the four pilots are being withheld at the request of their families. An investigation has been launched by the Philippine Air Force to determine the cause of the accident.
