An F-16 of the Hellenic Air Force (HAF) crashed as it was preparing to land at Andravida Airbase (PYR) in Elis, Greece. Fortunately, the pilot managed to eject.
“The pilot of the aircraft was transported to the 251 General Aviation Hospital, for precautionary reasons,” a HAF press representative said.
The F-16 Block 52+ was returning from a routine training mission and was about to land at the airbase, which houses the 117th Battle Wing of the Hellenic Air Force.
Weather conditions were suboptimal, and the runway of the airbase was wet, according to local media Newsbomb.gr. On the third landing attempt, the fighter jet began veering off. Fearing a crash, the pilot pulled the ejection lever.
The fighter jet was damaged, though it is unclear to what extent. An investigation was opened to determine the circumstances of the crash.
The F-16 Fighting Falcon is the backbone of the Hellenic Air Force fighter fleet, with over 150 in operation.
