NATO F-16 Makes Emergency Belly Landing on Zakynthos After Fire Alarm

A NATO F-16 fighter jet from the 116th Combat Wing performed an emergency belly landing at Zakynthos Airport at 1:45 PM local time following an in-flight fire alarm.

In-Flight Emergency and Landing

The incident occurred during a training flight that originated from the Araxos Air Base in the northwestern Peloponnese. After an onboard fire warning signal triggered, the pilot made an immediate decision to divert the aircraft to the nearest available airfield.

According to the Greek newspaper Kathimerini, the fighter jet landed without its landing gear extended. The aircraft slid along the runway for dozens of meters before coming to a stop.

Pilot Safety and Fire Response

Footage circulating online shows the fighter jet engulfed in flames shortly after touchdown. Airport emergency services and fire crews were dispatched immediately to the scene to conduct suppression efforts.

The Greek Air Force confirmed that the pilot successfully exited the aircraft unassisted. He sustained no injuries but was sent for routine preventative medical evaluations.

Airport Disruptions and Investigation

The emergency landing blocked the runway at Zakynthos Airport, leading to significant delays and the cancellation of several commercial flights. The Greek Air Force has announced a detailed investigation to determine the causes of the fire alarm and the circumstances surrounding the incident.