Athens (HRNW)- A Greek Air Force F-16 fighter jet caught fire during a routine training flight after developing a technical fault, forcing the pilot to make an emergency landing near Zakynthos Airport, officials said.
According to Turkish media reports, the incident occurred near the airport on the popular Greek tourist island of Zakynthos, where the pilot diverted the aircraft after receiving an in-flight fire warning.
The Greek Air Force said the fighter jet experienced a technical malfunction during the training mission. The pilot immediately headed toward the nearest airport and successfully carried out an emergency landing.
Reports said the aircraft landed without its landing gear being fully deployed, causing it to slide along the runway for dozens of meters before catching fire. Airport firefighters and rescue teams responded quickly and extinguished the blaze.
The Greek Air Force confirmed that the pilot escaped unharmed and is safe. Authorities have launched a full investigation to determine the cause of the technical failure and the subsequent fire.
Zakynthos Airport was temporarily closed as a precaution following the incident, resulting in disruptions to some flights.
Videos circulating on social media showed the burning fighter jet on the runway as firefighters worked to bring the fire under control. The incident has also renewed debate over safety standards for Greek Air Force training operations.
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