Four Philippine Air Force pilots were killed when two SF-260 aircraft crashed during a training flight at Fernando Air Base in Lipa City, Batangas, on Oct. 23, the military said.
The accident occurred at 3:51 p.m., according to a press statement released by the Philippine Air Force on Oct. 24.
Both aircraft went down within the base perimeter. No other casualties were reported.
The cause of the crash remains under investigation, the Air Force said.
As a precautionary safety measure, the military has temporarily grounded all SF-260 aircraft while authorities work to determine what led to the accident.
The Philippine Air Force expressed grief over the deaths of the four pilots and honored their service and sacrifice.
The military also said it is coordinating with the bereaved families to provide necessary assistance following the incident.
At the request of the families, the Air Force appealed to the public to respect their privacy as they mourn their loved ones.
The statement did not identify the pilots or provide further details about the circumstances surrounding the crash.
The two aircraft crashed inside the military base during a training flight, and no casualties beyond the four pilots were reported.
The temporary grounding of the SF-260 fleet will remain a precautionary safety measure as the investigation proceeds, according to the statement.
The Philippine Air Force has not yet announced the cause of the accident.
Further information about the investigation and the circumstances of the crash was not included in the statement released on Oct. 24.
