Hellenic Air Force F-16C Makes Emergency Gear-Up Landing and Catches Fire at Zakynthos Airport

Aviation News – A Hellenic Air Force F-16C fighter jet safely diverted to Zakynthos International Airport for an emergency gear-up landing following a sudden mechanical issue. The pilot escaped uninjured before the aircraft caught fire on the runway, prompting an immediate response from emergency services.

​The aircraft, operated by the 110th Combat Wing‘s 337th Squadron, encountered unexpected technical malfunctions during a routine flight. Realizing the severity of the mechanical issue, the pilot initiated emergency diversion protocols to land at the nearest available runway, selecting Zakynthos International Airport (ZTH) to avoid a catastrophic crash over open waters.

​The Hellenic Air Force immediately launched an official investigation into the incident to determine the exact cause of the system failure. Military officials and airport authorities coordinated swiftly to secure the scene, ensuring that civilian flight operations faced minimal disruption while safety teams worked to contain the aftermath.