Philippine Air Force Trainer Jet Crashes, Killing 2 Pilots
A Philippine Air Force SF-260 trainer jet crashed in a mountainous area on May 20 during a training mission, killing both pilots on board. The aircraft was part of a 10-plane formation that took off from an airbase in Batangas province. The Air Force has launched an investigation into the cause of the crash.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: May 20, 2026 at 18:45
- 🔍 Collected: May 20, 2026 at 19:02 (16 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: May 20, 2026 at 19:28 (26 min after Collected)
(CNA, by reporter Lin Hsing-chien, Manila, 20th) A Philippine Air Force SF-260 trainer jet crashed in a mountainous area today while on a training mission, tragically killing the two pilots on board. The Air Force has initiated an investigation into the cause of the accident. Philippine Air Force spokesperson Ma. Christina Basco stated that a formation of ten SF-260s took off this morning from the airbase in Lipa, Batangas province, south of Manila, for a flight training mission. One of the aircraft, which was scheduled to fly to the mountain city of Baguio, crashed in a mountainous area in Tuba, Benguet province, killing the two pilots. Basco said the Air Force has launched an investigation into the accident to determine the cause. Additionally, the Public Information Office of the Tuba municipality posted photos of the crashed aircraft on Facebook. The post noted that a joint rescue team composed of the Tuba police, fire department, and other rescue units rushed to the scene after receiving a report of the plane crash. The two individuals on board were found unconscious.