Moment two military planes crash into each other in mid-air as four pilots are killed in Philippines

Published: 05:13 EDT, 24 October 2026 | Updated: 05:55 EDT, 24 October 2026 Four pilots have died after two military planes crashed during a training drill in the Philippines.Footage showed the two SF-260s colliding yesterday around 3.51pm while flying low over Fernando air base, south of the capital Manila.There were no injuries on the ground and the aircraft crashed within the base's grounds, an air force spokesman said.The military said the crash was accidental but did not give further details.It has grounded its entire SF-260 fleet as a precaution while an investigation continues.In a statement a military spokesman said: 'The Philippine Air Force (PAF) mourns the loss of four pilots in an aviation accident involving two SF-260 aircraft during a training flight at Fernando Air Base on October 23, 2026, at 3.51pm.'Both aircraft went down within the base perimeter, with no other casualties reported.'An investigation is underway to determine the cause of the accident, while all SF-260 aircraft have been temporarily grounded as a precautionary safety measure.' Four pilots have died after two military planes crashed mid-air in the Phillippines Footage showed the planes flying alongside at least four others in the moments before the crash There was a burst of smoke as the planes hit each other in mid-air Both planes lost altitude quickly after they made contact. The military said four pilots had died in the crash but there were no injuries on the ground'The PAF honors the service and sacrifice of our fallen aviators and is coordinating with their bereaved families to provide necessary assistance.'At the families' request, we respectfully appeal to the public to respect their privacy during this difficult time.'Last year one US soldier and three defence contractors were killed when a surveillance flight crashed in the southern Philippines.It came as a flurry of naval drills around the Philippines involving the US and its partners prompted complaints from Beijing, which claims the entire South China Sea and accused Manila of colluding with others to destabilise the region.And in 2021 at least 45 people were killed and dozens injured when a Philippines air force plane carrying troops crash on landing and burst into flames.Three civilians on the ground died alongside 42 soldiers when the plane crashed in the mountainous town of Patikul in the southern Sulu province, where the aircraft missed the runway.