A Greek Air Force F-16 fighter jet went down in the waters near the Psathura area, part of the Northern Sporades archipelago. Local outlets report the incident as having occurred in the vicinity of Psathura, south of Halkidiki, and describe it as a sudden emergency with immediate search and rescue operations underway.
The aircraft involved is identified as a single-seat F-16 Block 52+ from the 337th Squadron of the 110th Fighter Aviation Regiment. Officials confirm that the jet belonged to the Hellenic Air Force and that the crash site is being treated as a serious incident requiring thorough investigation by aviation authorities. Details about the exact circumstances are still emerging as information is verified by the General Aviation Staff.
Reports indicate that the pilot was able to exit the aircraft before it sank or came to rest. Rescue crews recovered the pilot and he remained in contact with rescuers as teams coordinated ongoing medical assessments and retrieval operations. The circumstances surrounding the crash are not yet fully clarified, according to the latest statements from authorities and local reporters.
Beyond this event, another military aircraft, an Il-76, reportedly experienced a collapse in the Belgorod region late in January, highlighting a broader context of recent aerospace incidents reported in various regions. This comparison underscores that military aviation safety remains a priority across different theaters and nations, with investigations and safety reviews typically following such events.
In a separate aviation note, images circulated showing a wheel detaching from an aircraft during takeoff and landing activity in a city plaza parking area in San Francisco. These kinds of incidents, while less common, are generally reviewed by aviation safety agencies to determine causes and preventive measures for future operations. The overarching message from authorities is that safety protocols and rapid response mechanisms are crucial components of military and civilian aviation operations.
As the situation in Greece continues to unfold, officials emphasize that recovery and investigative teams are gathering data from the crash site, interviewing witnesses, and checking flight records to establish a clear sequence of events. The focus remains on ensuring the pilot received appropriate medical care and that all safety protocols are reviewed to prevent future accidents. Stakeholders from regional authorities, military leadership, and aviation safety agencies are coordinating to deliver a transparent account of the incident while maintaining public assurance.