Four Philippine Air Force Pilots Killed in Training Aircraft Crash

MANILA, Oct 24:  Four Philippine Air Force pilots were killed when two military training aircraft crashed during a flyby rehearsal at Fernando Air Base in Batangas province, local media reported Saturday.

The accident occurred Friday at the air base in Lipa City and involved two Italian-made Marchetti SF-260 trainer aircraft, Philippine broadcaster ABS-CBN News reported, citing the air force.

Philippine Air Force spokesperson Col. Alvin Jay Capinguian said both aircraft crashed within the base perimeter while participating in the rehearsal.

The SF-260 is a military training aircraft used by the Philippine Air Force to train pilots and qualify them for more advanced flying duties.

The air force said the identities of the four pilots would remain confidential at the request of their families.

No other casualties were reported.

The Philippine Air Force has launched an investigation to determine the cause of the crash. Authorities have not yet disclosed what led to the two aircraft going down during the rehearsal.