BATAAN – Two still unidentified pilots of the Philippine Air Force died after their aircraft crashed in Sitio Tabon, Barangay Del Rosario in Pilar town here.
According to reports, a SF260TP Marchetti aircraft with tail number 701 of the PAF took off at around 10 AM from the Major Danilo Atienza Air Base in Sangley Point, Cavite City to perform Recurrency/Training Flight.
At around 10:40 AM, the aircraft was reportedly seen to be descending to a field in the area where it eventually crashed.
No civilian casualties were reported.
In a statement, the PAF said an aircraft accident investigation team was immediately deployed at the site for a thorough investigation, while the SF260TP fleet has been grounded.
The SF260-TP is a highly maneuverable and fully aerobatic basic trainer aircraft that serves as a light attack combat aircraft, according to the PAF. It was used during the Marawi siege and various combat missions of the PAF.
It is capable of performing Close Air Support, Battlefield Air Interdiction, Aerial Reconnaissance, Persuasion Flight, Armed Escort, Maritime Patrol, Air Cover, Flare Drop, Forward Air Controller, and Aerial Demonstration.
The PAF enjoins the public to refrain from spreading unconfirmed or unofficial news and pictures about the incident, as it assures that all necessary aid, assistance, and support will be provided to the victims.
Further, inspite of this mishap, the Command assures that it will continue to perform their usual mandate to provide air support for focused military operations and disaster response.
Photos from BFP R3 Pilar Bataan Facebook Page
