- NATO fighter jet burst into flames while making an emergency landing at a Greek airport, officials have said.
- The F-16 landed at Zakynthos (Zante) Airport after an in-flight fire indication during a training mission on Thursday afternoon.
- The aircraft's emergency landing ended up in a crash on the tarmac of Zakynthos airport on the island of Zante today.
- Footage shows the F-16C Fighting Falcon belonging to the Greek Air Force burst into flames, with thick black smoke and fumes plummeting to the sky.
- The pilot of the aircraft is said to be safe and in good health after ejecting from the plane.
- The fire appears to have started from the rear of the jet before it spread rapidly as firefighters began dousing it with a chemical fire extinguisher.
- Operations at Zakynthos airport have been affected, with flights diverted to other airports.
- A Greek Air Force F-16 fighter jet made an emergency landing at Zakynthos Airport after an in-flight fire warning during a training mission over the Ionian Sea.
- Initial information from the Air Force General Staff said the F-16, belonging to the 116th Fighter Wing at Araxos, was carrying out a training mission over the wider Ionian Sea region when it diverted to the airport.
- Local media reported the runway has been closed while dealing with the incident.
- The Air Force is investigating the cause of the incident.
- Local reports say the fire started mid-air and was still visible when the plane landed, before spreading on the runway.
- Investigators suspect a possible landing gear failure, though the cause has not been confirmed.
A NATO F-16 fighter jet made an emergency landing at Zakynthos Airport on Thursday after an in-flight fire warning during a training mission over the Ionian Sea. The aircraft, belonging to the 116th Fighter Wing at Araxos, experienced a fire that reportedly started mid-air and spread rapidly upon landing.2689
Footage from the scene shows the jet engulfed in flames, with thick black smoke billowing into the sky as firefighters worked to extinguish the blaze. The pilot ejected safely and is reported to be in good health, according to local officials. Maria Mouzaki, head of the local civil protection department, indicated that an engine problem may have caused the incident, although investigators are also looking into a possible landing gear failure.513
The emergency landing resulted in the runway being blocked, leading to significant disruptions at the airport, with flights diverted to other locations. Local media reported that the airport will remain closed until further notice for security reasons. The incident has raised concerns about the safety of military operations in the region, as the F-16 is a multi-million-pound aircraft.7
As investigations continue, the Greek Air Force is working to determine the exact cause of the fire and ensure the safety of future missions.
“The F-16, part of the Hellenic Air Force's 116th Combat Wing, experienced an in-flight fire warning during a training mission over the Ionian Sea. Local authorities have closed the airport for security reasons, affecting flight operations as investigators look into a possible landing gear failure.”
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