A dramatic emergency unfolded at Zakynthos Airport (Zante) on July 9, 2026, when a Greek Air Force F-16C Fighting Falcon performed a gear-up emergency landing after suffering a technical malfunction during a routine training mission.
Video captured from the airport shows the fighter jet sliding along the runway on its belly before flames erupted around the aircraft. Airport firefighters responded within moments, quickly bringing the fire under control with water and foam.
Fortunately, the pilot safely exited the aircraft without ejecting and was confirmed to be in good health by Hellenic Air Force officials. The intact canopy and ejection seat indicate the pilot remained with the aircraft throughout the emergency landing.
Additional footage taken during the approach clearly shows the F-16’s landing gear failed to deploy, forcing the pilot to execute a controlled belly landing. Initial reports incorrectly suggested the aircraft belonged to the U.S. Air Force, but the Greek markings and camouflage confirmed it was a Hellenic Air Force jet.
The aircraft is believed to be assigned to the 116th Combat Wing based at Araxos Air Base, home to the 335th and 336th Squadrons. Following the incident, Zakynthos Airport temporarily closed its runway, with arriving flights diverted to Athens, Corfu, and Thessaloniki while emergency crews cleared the scene.
