The pilot was fortunately able to use the seat ejection system and exit the aircraft. He was found in good health by rescuers. The rescuers managed to get the pilot on board the Super Puma and the latest information says that they will transfer him to the 251 General Aviation Hospital in Athens.
The chronicle of the fall of the F-16 in Halkidiki
The pilot managed to eject from the aircraft, as nearby eyewitnesses saw a parachute close to the crash site.
A Super Puma helicopter was immediately raised from Lemnos, to begin locating him. The F-16 had taken off from the 337th “Ghost” squadron of the 110th combat wing, in Larissa…
The Coast Guard was also informed of the incident at the same time, with five vessels rushing to assist in the search and rescue.
The General Air Staff announced that: “On Wednesday, March 20, 2024, at 1:29 p.m., an F-16 Block 52+ single-seater aircraft of the 337th Squadron, 110th Fighter Wing (FM), which was performing a training flight, crashed in the maritime area of Psathouras.
A search and rescue operation is underway for the operator. A Super Puma helicopter from the 130th Battle Group, a Navy S-70 helicopter, a CL-415 aircraft from the 113th Fighter Wing are rushing to the area, and the frigate “Aegeon” is heading to the area, while on high alert. a C-130 type aircraft.
The second announcement of the General Air Staff
“The operator of the F-16 Block 52+ aircraft of the 337th Squadron of the 110th Fighter Wing, which crashed in the Psathoura maritime area, on Wednesday, March 20, 2024, was picked up alive at 15:02 by a Super Puma helicopter of the 130th Fighter Wing, of Aviation and is directed to the 251 General Hospital of Aviation”.
F-16 Block 52: What is the downed fighter – Its characteristics
According to the official website of the Air Force, the Greek Air Force is the first air force in the world to be equipped with the specific F-16 version.
The aircraft in question is an improved version of the BLOCK 50 with advanced electronic systems and a sophisticated engine. The Greek BLOCK 52+ belong to 340, 343 and 337 degrees with callsigns “Fox”, “Star” and “Ghost” respectively. They operate from the air bases of Souda (115 AM) and Larissa (110 AM).
Technical characteristics/Performance
Crew: 1 (C model), 2 (D model)
Engine: 1 Pratt & Whitney F100-PW 229/Thrust: 29,100 lbs
Wingspan: 9.96m
Length: 15.06 m
Maximum speed: 2,173 km. per hour or Mach 2.05
Maximum height: 15,240m. or 50,000 feet
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#pilot #rescued #alive #transferred #GNA #βίντεο