A Greek F-16 fighter jet crash-landed at Zakynthos International Airport on Monday without deploying its landing gear, forcing the runway to close and prompting an immediate emergency response. The aircraft touched down on its fuselage, sparking a fire that engulfed the jet shortly after impact.
Airport authorities evacuated the terminal and closed all operations while firefighters battled the blaze. The pilot ejected safely before the crash, avoiding casualties. Emergency services contained the fire within hours, and investigators secured the scene to determine what caused the landing gear failure.
Zakynthos International handles roughly 3 million passengers annually, making it one of Greece's busiest holiday destinations. The closure disrupted dozens of flights and stranded travelers during peak summer season. Airport officials reopened the runway by early evening after crews cleared debris and assessed structural damage.
The Greek Air Force has launched a formal investigation into the malfunction. Initial reports suggest a hydraulic or mechanical failure prevented the landing gear from extending, though officials stressed preliminary findings remain incomplete. The F-16, part of Greece's fleet of approximately 140 fighter jets, was returning from a routine training mission when the pilot first reported trouble.
This incident marks the second significant military aviation accident in the Eastern Mediterranean region this year. Greece's defense ministry confirmed the pilot's quick decision to eject prevented a far worse outcome. The aircraft represents a total loss, with replacement costs estimated at roughly 40 million euros.