VIDEO / Emergency landing in Zakynthos, an F-16 touches down on the runway without wheels after catching fire in flight

A Greek Air Force F-16 fighter jet made an emergency landing at Zakynthos airport after a mechanical failure during flight caused a fire.

The incident, according to an official statement from the Greek Air Force, happened at around 13:45 during a training mission, while the reasons for the technical malfunction are being examined by a special commission.

The aircraft had taken off from the 116th Fighter Wing in Araxos and was carrying out a training flight when it encountered the technical problem. Under these circumstances, the pilot decided to head for the nearest airport, in Zakynthos, where he successfully carried out the emergency landing.

According to reports, before touching down, the pilot emptied the fuel tanks and landed the aircraft without using the wheels, a move that avoided even more serious consequences.

Both the aircraft and the pilot were saved thanks to the meticulous implementation of safety protocols, while his response has been praised by military authorities as exemplary. Greek Defense Minister Nikos Dendias is expected to meet the pilot in the coming days to congratulate him on the professionalism he demonstrated.

Immediately after the aircraft landed, firefighting teams intervened on the runway, extinguishing the flames and spraying special foam to prevent the fire from spreading.

The pilot was then taken by military helicopter to the 117th Fighter Wing in Andravida for precautionary checks, and he is reported to be in good health.

As a result of the incident, the runway at Zakynthos airport remained closed until 19:00. This situation caused numerous flight delays and cancellations, while hundreds of tourists faced difficulties with their travel plans.

To remove the aircraft from the runway and restore normal operations at the airport, a specialized Air Force team was dispatched to the island.