Air Force grounds training planes

MANILA, Philippines–The Philippine Air Force (PAF) has grounded all its trainer planes after one aircraft crashed off Nasugbu, Batangas, on Saturday, killing the two pilots.

Lt. Col. Enrico Canaya, PAF spokesman, said their SF-260 planes in their inventory will be grounded pending the conclusion of the investigation into the incident.

The PAF has 20 SF-260s.

On Saturday, Capt. John Bayao, an instructor pilot, and Lt. Al-Nazer Jana, a student pilot, were killed when their aircraft crashed at 9:40 a.m. off the shore of Barangay Bucana in Nasugbu.

The plane was part of a three-aircraft group that took off from Fernando Air Base in Lipa City on a training mission and to take part in an exhibition flight for the 70th Liberation Day commemoration.

The SF-260 is designed and manufactured by the Italian-based Alenia Aermacchi. The PAF’s SF-260s were assembled in the Philippines by Aermacchi’s local partner, Aerotech Industries Philippines Inc., in Clark Field, Pampanga.

The trainer aircraft is used by military organizations, professional flying schools and private establishments worldwide for its advanced aerobatic techniques and high-speed maneuvers.