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Pilot makes successful emergency landing of F-16 in Zakynthos
🇬🇷 Greece /Disasters & Emergencies

Pilot makes successful emergency landing of F-16 in Zakynthos

From Ta Nea · () Greek

Translated from Greek, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Outcome reported
  • A Greek Air Force F-16 fighter jet made a successful emergency landing in Zakynthos due to a serious engine malfunction.
  • The pilot, Giorgos Chatzopoulos, reacted calmly, preventing a worse outcome and highlighting the high training standards of Greek pilots.
  • The aircraft, though damaged, is considered repairable, and the pilot escaped unharmed.

A Greek Air Force pilot successfully executed an emergency landing of an F-16 fighter jet at Zakynthos airport after a critical engine failure. Pilot Giorgos Chatzopoulos's composed response averted a potential disaster, underscoring the advanced training of Greek aviators.

The aircraft had taken off from the 116 Combat Wing in Araxos for an exercise when the malfunction occurred. Following instructions to jettison fuel, Chatzopoulos diverted to the nearest airport, Zakynthos. The landing gear reportedly failed to deploy, leading the jet to land on a foam cushion before catching fire. The pilot managed to exit the aircraft safely amidst the intense flames.

Chatzopoulos, who commands the 335 Squadron "Tigers," acted commendably, according to fellow pilots. They noted that even if the landing gear had deployed, it might have affected the aircraft's stability. The technical issue arose after the exercise concluded. The aircraft was later removed by a crane, and the pilot is reported to be in good health.

This incident occurred shortly before a planned handover ceremony for the historic 335 Squadron. Established in October 1941 in Akir, Palestine, during the German occupation, the "Tigers" are the oldest squadron in the Hellenic Air Force. Its early pilots trained in the Middle East with the British, continuing the fight for Greece's liberation.

DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Ta Nea in Greek. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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