2024-03-24 18:17:18
An F-16 fighter aircraft of the Air Force crashed in a sea area near the island of Psathoura, north of Alonissos.
The aircraft had taken off from the 337th Squadron of the 110th Fighter Wing, in Larissa.
Searches have been launched to locate the pilot, who, according to initial information, managed to eject from the aircraft
Eyewitnesses report that a parachute was seen near the crash site.
A Super Puma, a Sikorsky S70 helicopter from Marathon, a gunboat from Thessaloniki, as well as the frigate “Aegeus” are operating at the site. Also, seven floating and three aerial means of the Coast Guard.
According to information, the aircraft was participating in a training flight (the area is a firing range), while, according to the same information, there was a report from another fighter participating in the exercise that the pilot’s parachute opened.
The announcement of the Air Force:
“On Wednesday, March 20, 2024, at 13:29, an F-16 Block 52+ single-seater aircraft of the 337 Squadron, of the 110th Fighter Wing (FM), which was performing a training flight, crashed in the sea area of Psathouras.
A search and rescue operation is underway for the operator. 1 Super Puma helicopter from the 130th Battle Group, 1 Navy S-70 helicopter, 1 CL-415 from 113AM are rushing to the area, the “Aegean” Frigate is heading to the area, while 1 C-130 is on full alert.
Commander (I) Sotirios Maggotsios
GEA Press Representative”