MANILA – The Philippine Air Force (PAF) confirmed that one of its SIAI-Marchetti SF-260FH trainer aircraft made an emergency landing after encountering problems during a training flight in Batangas Monday morning.
"An SF-260FH Marchetti trainer aircraft, during a standard training flight, encountered problems at the upwind of Runway 21 (of) Fernando Air Base, Lipa City, this morning, 24 April 2023," PAF spokesperson Col. Ma. Consuelo Castillo said in a statement to reporters.
The incident transpired around 6:43 a.m. and despite the low attitude of the aircraft, 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.
Castillo said the crew of the downed SF-260FH consists of one instructor and one student pilot.
"Emergency responders were quickly dispatched to the scene for the successful extrication of the pilots. Thankfully, both pilots, after going through the mandatory medical checks, have both been declared safe and are undergoing treatment," Castillo said.
She added that the aircraft is now being recovered and assessed.
"Consequently, extensive investigation of the incident has been started to determine its cause. While flight training like this has its inherent risks, the PAF assures the public of its strict adherence to maintenance and operational protocols," Castillo said. (PNA)
