16 PAF trainer planes grounded over fatal Benguet crash

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May 22, 2026 | 12:00am

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Air Force has grounded 16 other PAF trainer aircraft following a fatal crash in Tuba, Benguet that killed two pilots on Wednesday morning.

Pending results of investigation, the SF-260 trainer planes will not be used, in line with standard operating procedures and safety precautions, PAF spokesperson Col. Ma. Christina Basco said.

As this developed, the PAF condoled with the families and friends of the fatalities – pilot-instructor 1/Lt. Ruth Angelique Pasos and aviation student 2/Lt. Cherky Embudo.

Pasos and Embudo were participating in a navigation training flight when their SF-260 trainer plane crashed in the forest of Barangay Cabuyao.

The aircraft and nine other trainer planes took off from the Fernando Air Base in Lipa City and were headed to Baguio City.

“Their courage, dedication, and commitment to duty will always be remembered by the Philippine Air Force and the nation they faithfully served,” the PAF said as it expressed sympathy to the families, loved ones, friends and fellow airmen of Pasos and Embudo.

Basco said the safety investigation board has deployed investigators to determine the cause of the crash.