Fighter jet bursts into flames and crash-lands at Greek island airport

A Greek Air Force F-16C Fighting Falcon made an emergency landing at Zakynthos Airport after a malfunction during a training sortie, following a midair fire. The aircraft, assigned to the 335th Squadron of the 116th Fighter Wing, landed on Thursday, July 9, after the landing gear reportedly failed to deploy; video showed the jet sliding along the runway as flames engulfed it. Fire crews responded quickly, using foam and water to douse the aircraft as smoke rose from the tarmac. The pilot escaped without injury, and the air force said he was in good health. The runway was closed for seven hours, delaying flights during the peak summer holiday season, and several scheduled services were diverted, including to Athens. The Hellenic Air Force attributed the event to a malfunction but has not disclosed the exact cause, and an investigation is ongoing as the damaged jet remains under military examination.