A U.S. military transport plane struck a concrete barrier while taking off in northern Philippines on Tuesday, injuring all five American personnel on board, officials confirmed.
The incident occurred during a training exercise in Pangasinan province, according to U.S. and Philippine authorities.
The Associated Press, citing a police report, said the pilot of the C-146 Wolfhound and two crew members were hospitalized, while the remaining two were treated at the scene. The U.S. Indo-Pacific Command said an investigation into the incident is now ongoing.
“All pilots and crew were immediately accounted for and are safe, with no civilians injured, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said in a statement published by the state-run Philippine News Agency. The Philippine military did not provide further details about the accident.
The AFP said the joint roadway landing exercise between the U.S. and Philippines was conducted in a “controlled training environment.” The AFP added that the exercise is part of ongoing efforts to strengthen interoperability and readiness for humanitarian assistance, disaster response, and national defense operations.
The Pentagon has not yet released a comment on the incident.
China’s growing presence in Philippine waters and repeated encounters with its coast guard have prompted Manila to strengthen defense ties with the U.S.
The U.S. Army confirmed earlier this month that it deployed a new rotational force to the Philippines in July 2025. The unit, officially known as Army Rotational Force–Philippines, remained under the radar for six months following its creation.
Details on the force’s formation, mission, and capabilities are limited. Reports indicate it is led by a lieutenant colonel and includes a liaison officer attached to Task Force–Philippines, which War Secretary Pete Hegseth unveiled in October to enhance coordination with Manila amid Chinese coercion.
On Monday, the Philippine Coast Guard reported that its fisheries and patrol vessels experienced alleged signal jamming near Bajo de Masinloc in the South China Sea, an incident suspected to involve China.
