A trainer aircraft of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) crashed in Benguet province on Wednesday morning, killing its two pilots.

In a message to the Philippine News Agency, PAF spokesperson Col. Ma. Christina Basco said the Siai-Marchetti SF-260 trainer aircraft went down at around 10:30 a.m. during a "navigation training flight."

In a later message, Basco confirmed that the incident killed the two pilots.

"We are deeply saddened to inform that both pilots passed... " she said.

The SF-260 is an Italian light aircraft used as an aerobatics and military trainer.

Basco said the aircraft was one of 10 planes that had departed Fernando Air Base in Lipa City, Batangas, en route to Baguio City.

"Following the incident, the PAF immediately coordinated with local government units and the nearest air base," Basco said.

She added that an investigation is underway to determine the cause of the accident.

"The PAF will release further updates once verified information becomes available," the PAF spokesperson said. 

Source: Philippine News Agency