Two pilots killed as plane crashes into sea during exhibition flight in Batangas

(Updated 11:33 a.m.) Two pilots were killed as a plane crashed into the sea while in the middle of an exhibition in Batangas province Saturday morning.

The plane was one of four engaged in maneuvers, GMA News stringer Ariel Fernandez reported on dzBB radio.

Nasugbu in Batangas is celebrating its 70th liberation day.

Update, pagbagsak eroplano ng paf dalawang piloto ng plane Patay na.ayon Kay vice gov.

— Ariel Fernandez (@dugoy12) January 31, 2015
 
 

Trainer aircraft

Air Force spokesman Lt. Col. Ernesto Canaya said the ill-fated plane was a trainer aircraft (SF-260FH Nr 1034).

Citing initial information, Canaya said the plane crashed some 300 meters off the shoreline of Barangay Bucana, Nasugbu in Nasugbo.

He said, the aircraft took off from the Fernando Air Base in Lipa City at 9:07 a.m., to join the a 3-aircraft formation training mission. 

Helicopters based in Villamor Air Base were immediately dispatched to area to support recovery operations, he added.

The two pilots of the ill-fated aircraft were declared dead upon recovery and  their remains were brought to Villamor Air Base.

Also, Canaya said, the names of the pilots will not be disclosed until next-of-kin are informed. — Joel Locsin/LBG/VC, GMA News