Two pilots die in a training crash in Benguet

Two young Air Force pilots died when a trainer plane crashed in the mountains in Tuba town, Benguet during a military training flight.

LtGen Cordura, alongside PAF General Officers, Senior Officers, and Enlisted Personnel, pays tribute to the fallen pilots with a salute as their remains arrive in flag-draped caskets on May 21, 2026, at Base Operations, Colonel Jesus Villamor Air Base, Pasay City. Photo from Philippine Air Force.

Manuel Mogato | May 22, 2026

MANILA — Two young Air Force pilots died when a trainer plane crashed in the mountains in Tuba town, Benguet during a military training flight.

An Air Force spokeswoman, Colonel Ma Christina Basco said they are investigating the crash of SF-260 turbo-prop aircraft.

Basco said responders from the local government of Tuba found the ill-fated aircraft at forested portion of Mt. Kabuyao.

“Two pilots were initially found unconscious and were immediately attended to by rescue personnel on site,” Hours later, Basco said the two pilots had died.

“We are deeply saddened to inform you that both pilots passed,” Basco said.

“An investigation is underway to determine the cause of the accident.”

Basco said the Air Force will investigate release additional details about the incident “once verified information becomes available.”

Basco said the plane was among the 10 SF-260s that left Fernando Air Base in Lipa City in Batangas for “navigation training flight.”

The plane, manned by two pilots, was en route to Baguio City when it crashed at around 10:30 a.m. in Tuba, said Basco.