Philippines FA-50 Fighter Jet Found Crashed in Mt. Kalatungan Mountain

A Philippine Air Force FA-50 fighter jet that went missing during a night combat mission has been discovered in the rugged terrain of Mt. Kalatungan, Bukidnon.

Tragically, both pilots on board were confirmed dead following an intensive search and rescue operation led by the military and local authorities.

The FA-50 jet, which lost communication during a tactical night operation shortly after midnight on March 4, 2025, was located on Wednesday in the Mt. Kalatungan mountain range. According to Philippine Air Force (PAF) officials, the aircraft crashed while supporting ground forces engaged in combat operations against insurgents in the southern region.

Lt. Gen. Luis Rex Bergante, commander of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Eastern Mindanao Command, confirmed that the pilots’ remains were found inside the wreckage around 11 a.m.

“With deep regret and profound sadness, the PAF announces the loss of the two pilots aboard,” said PAF spokesperson Col. Maria Consuelo Castillo.

In response to the incident, the PAF has grounded its FA-50 fleet and launched a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the crash. Officials have pledged full support to the families of the fallen pilots during this difficult time.

“We request the nation’s prayers for the eternal repose of our brave pilots, whose dedication and service to the country we deeply honor,” Castillo added.

The search operation, which involved the Philippine Air Force, Army, and local civilian volunteers, began after the jet’s last known coordinates were identified through locator beacon signals. The mission has now transitioned from rescue to recovery, as authorities work to retrieve the pilots’ remains and analyze the wreckage for further insights.