Philippine Air Force (PAF) Captain Ian Gerru Casiño Pasiños, who hails from Claveria, Misamis Oriental was among two pilots from the 16th Attack Squadron “Eagle” of the 15th Strike Wing, who were killed when their SIAI-Marchetti SF-260TP trainer / light attack turboprop aircraft with tail number 29-01 crashed into a rice field in Sitio Tabon, Brgy. Del Rosario, Pilar, Bataan, Wednesday morning, January 25, 2023. Rest in peace.
Reports state the aircraft took off from Sangley Point in Cavite for a recurrency training. The SF260TP is a highly maneuverable and fully aerobatic basic trainer aircraft of the PAF that serves as a light attack combat aircraft. It was used during the Marawi siege and various combat missions of the PAF.
Witnesses stated they saw the fighter plane flying in circle in the area before crashing. The other pilot was identified as PAF Captain Jhon Paulo O. Aviso. Their bodies were still strapped in their seats at the wreckage when found by rescuers. Meanwhile, investigators have recovered the block box which could shed light on the crash as to why both pilots were unable to eject.
Capt. Pasinos was among the attack pilots during the Marawi siege in 2017.
Photos courtesy of Jimmy Zabala Mangalindan, Pilar Bataan Municipal Police.
