The Philippine Air Force (PAF) has grounded its remaining SIAI-Marchetti SF-260 trainer aircraft and suspended training activities involving the platform following a crash in Tuba, Benguet that killed two pilots, a military spokesperson said Thursday.
“The remaining 16 aircraft have been grounded pending the investigation,” PAF spokesperson Col. Ma. Christina Basco told reporters in a message, referring to the remaining SF-260 fleet.
The PAF identified the fatalities as instructor pilot 1st Lt. Ruth Angelique Pasos and aviation student 2nd Lt. Cherky Embudo, who were aboard the aircraft during a navigation training flight on Wednesday.
Basco said the aircraft crashed at around 10:30 a.m. in Sitio Cabuyao while en route to Baguio City.
The aircraft was part of a formation of 11 SF-260 trainer planes that departed from Fernando Air Base in Lipa City, Batangas for a training mission. Ten aircraft completed the flight.
“According to reports from responders in the area, both pilots were found unconscious and were immediately transported to a hospital in Baguio City for medical treatment,” Basco said. “However, both pilots later succumbed to the multiple injuries they sustained in the mishap.”
Basco said the PAF would extend full support to the families of the two pilots and expressed condolences over their deaths.
An investigation is underway to determine the cause of the crash.
Despite the suspension of SF-260 operations, Basco said other aircraft models used for training activities would continue operating.
