By Roy Ramos
ZAMBOANGA CITY
Two Philippine Air Force pilots were killed Saturday when their plane crashed into the sea as they prepared for an air display, local media reported.
The Marchetti SF-260 plane, which is used for training and acrobatics, came down off the coast of Batangas province in the northern Philippines, GMA News said.
It was one of three practising manoeuvers for a celebration to mark the liberation of the town of Batangas from the Japanese during World War II.
Air force spokesman Lt. Col. Ernesto Canaya told GMA News the aircraft took off from the Fernando air base in Lipa City.
The pilots’ bodies were recovered.
The Philippine Air Force has 18 of the Italian-made turboprop planes.
Since 2000, there have been at least 10 accidents involving Philippine Air Force and Philippine Navy aircraft.
