An F-16 fighter jet of the Greek Air Force crashed into the sea area south of Halkidiki in the northern Aegean Sea early Wednesday afternoon. Big Search And Rescue operation underway.
According to initial media information, there is serious evidence that the pilot managed to abandon the aircraft as eyewitnesses reported that they saw a parachute.
While the Greek Air Force has not issued any statement on the pilot’s condition yet, state broadcaster ERT reported that the pilot has been located alive.
The crash took place at 13:29 near the islet of Psathoura, between Halkidiki and the Sporades island of Alonissos.
The single-seat F-16 had taken off from the 337th Squadron of the 110th Combat Wing in Larissa, central Greece.
A Super Puma rescue helicopter has left the island of Limnos for the crash site, Coast Guard vessels have rushed to the area.
In a statement the Air Force General Staff said that the F-16 Block 52+ was on training mission when it crashed in the sea area of Psathoura.
Participating in the SAR are two helicopters, one Super Puma and one S-70, a CL-415, a frigate was heading to the area, while a C-130 was in highest readiness.
UPDATE
Short after 3 p.m. the Air Force General Staff confirmed in a statement the pilot’s rescue.
The pilot was picked up at 3:05 p.m. by the Super Puma heklicopter and transferred to the Air force General hospital in Athens, the statement said.
According to ERT TV, the pilot was conscious when rescued, however, no more details about his health condition have been made public.
As usual a committee is to investigate the reasons for the crash.
*thumbnail picture: archive
