The Philippine Air Force (PAF) is continuing its investigation into all possible factors behind the midair collision involving two of its SF-260 training aircraft that killed four pilots at Fernando Air Base in Lipa City, Batangas, on October 23.
PAF spokesperson Col. Alvin Jay Capinguian said the aircraft were not old and remained within their prescribed airframe operating hours, stressing that their serviceability also depends on proper maintenance, DZRH's Edniel Parrosa reported.
“Depending on how often the aircraft is used, it may be decommissioned sooner or later. So, hindi matanda yung aircraft. They are well within their airframes operating hours and they still have several years of operation to go,” Capinguian said.
Capinguian also confirmed that the SF-260 aircraft were not equipped with ejection seats. Instead, the pilots wore parachutes, which they were unable to use during the sudden collision.
The PAF has grounded all remaining SF-260 aircraft while the investigation is ongoing.
However, the Air Force assured the public that the grounding would not disrupt the training of its student pilots.
Meanwhile, Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. earlier condemned sarcastic remarks about the deaths of the four pilots. The PAF also reprimanded those who made inappropriate comments about the incident.
