Air force plane crashes; 2 pilots rescued

Two pilots were rescued after a Philippine Air Force (PAF) trainer aircraft crashed into an open field during a standard training flight in Lipa, Batangas, on Monday morning. The SF-260FH Marchetti trainer aircraft “encountered problems” at the upwind of Runway 21 of the Fernando Air Base, PAF spokesperson Col. Ma. Consuelo Castillo said in a statement. “Despite the low altitude, the pilots were able to maneuver the aircraft to an open area within the air base’s perimeter, causing no harm and damage to nearby communities,” she said. The two pilots were quickly extricated by emergency responders. Both have been declared safe and were undergoing treatment. An investigation has been launched to determine the cause of the crash, Castillo said.

— Frances Mangosing