PAF Aircraft Crashes on Mount Cabuyao in Benguet; Two Pilots Survive

Photo: BM Oliver Paus

A Philippine Air Force (PAF) aircraft crashed in a forested area of Mount Cabuyao on Wednesday morning, May 20, leaving its two pilots injured but alive, local authorities confirmed.

The gray, white, and orange plane—bearing the PAF logo and tail number 10-39—went down around 10:20 AM in a dense ridge within Sitio Cabuyao, Barangay Poblacion.

Emergency responders identified one of the unconscious pilots as 1LT Ruth Angelique R. Pasos, PAF. A second male uniformed personnel, whose identity is being withheld pending family notification, was also found unconscious inside the cockpit.

Search and Rescue Efforts

Photo: BM Oliver Paus

The Tuba Municipal Police Station first received a report of the downed aircraft at 11:40 AM from Poblacion Barangay Captain Oliver Paus. A joint search, rescue, and retrieval operation was immediately launched, drawing personnel from the Tuba Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Tuba Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO), and the Baguio City Police Office (BCPO) Station 10.

Responders navigating the difficult, steep terrain of Mount Cabuyao managed to reach the wreckage and administer immediate first aid. Both pilots suffered varying degrees of physical trauma from the impact but survived. They are currently being extracted from the site for urgent medical evacuation to a nearby hospital.

Investigation Underway

The aircraft's point of origin and scheduled flight path have not yet been disclosed by military officials. The area around the crash site has been cordoned off by local police to protect the wreckage.

The Philippine Air Force is expected to form an accident investigation board to determine the exact cause of the crash, examining whether environmental conditions, low visibility, or mechanical failure brought the aircraft down.

Air Force Confirmation

Photo: Philippine Air Force / Facebook

The Philippine Air Force has confirmed the deaths of two pilots aboard an SF-260 trainer aircraft that crashed in Cabuyao, Tuba, Benguet at around 10:30 AM today. According to PAF spokesperson Col. Ma. Christina Basco, the aircraft was part of a 10-plane formation traveling from Fernando Air Base in Lipa City to Baguio City for a navigation training flight. An investigation into the cause of the incident is underway.

"With deep sorrow, the Philippine Air Force mourns the passing of the two pilots involved... We extend our heartfelt condolences to their bereaved families, loved ones, and fellow airmen," the PAF statement read.

Photo Courtesy: Philippine Air Force / Facebook

Marcos Honors Fallen Pilots Killed in Benguet Trainer Plane Crash; Confers Posthumous Medals

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. visited the Philippine Air Force (PAF) Mortuary at Colonel Jesus Villamor Air Base on Sunday, May 24, 2026, to pay his last respects to two military pilots killed in a trainer aircraft crash in Benguet last week.

During his visit, the Commander-in-Chief personally extended his condolences to the bereaved families, expressing the nation's grief and offering state support. In recognition of their bravery, service, and sacrifice, President Marcos posthumously conferred the Silver Wing Medal to both aviators.

The Fatal Training Mishap

The casualties were identified as First Lieutenant Ruth Angelique R. Pasos PAF, an instructor pilot, and Second Lieutenant Cherky E. Embudo PAF, an aviation student.

According to military reports, the two pilots were conducting a long navigation training flight under the Military Pilot Training program on Wednesday morning, May 20, 2026. Their Siai-Marchetti SF-260 basic trainer aircraft was part of an 11-plane formation that had departed Fernando Air Base in Lipa City, Batangas, en route to Baguio City.

At approximately 10:20 AM, the ill-fated aircraft crashed into the mountainous terrain of Sitio Cabuyao in Tuba, Benguet. First responders from the local disaster risk reduction office, the Bureau of Fire Protection, and the Philippine National Police immediately launched a retrieval operation. Both pilots were retrieved from the wreckage unconscious and rushed to a hospital in Baguio City, where they later succumbed to multiple severe injuries.

The other 10 aircraft in the formation safely completed the flight to their destination.

High Honors for Promising Aviators

President Marcos was received at the mortuary by PAF Commanding General Lieutenant General Arthur M. Cordura, alongside senior air force officers. Solemn arrival honors and blessings were rendered to honor the memory of the deceased officers.

Both pilots were notable alumni of the country's premier military institution.

1st Lt. Ruth Angelique R. Pasos was a graduate of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) "Mabalasik" Class of 2019, finishing 9th in her graduating class.

2nd Lt. Cherky E. Embudo was a member of the recent PMA "Bagong Sinag" Class of 2024.

Immediate Investigation and Operational Impact

The incident has prompted the Philippine Air Force to ground its fleet of 16 SF-260 training aircraft while a thorough investigation is underway to determine the exact cause of the crash.

In an official statement, the PAF and the PMA expressed deep mourning for the untimely loss, assuring the public that full assistance and institutional support are being extended to the families of Pasos and Embudo during this period of grief.