A Greek F-16 fighter jet crashed into a line of jet fighters and helicopters during NATO training at Los Llanos base in Albacete, southeastern Spain Monday, killing nine French and the two aircrews of the Greek fighter, and injuring 21. Nine of the dead were French. 11 of the injured were Italian and 10 were French. Material damage, in addition to the Greek fighter include a French air force Alpha Jet, Mirage 2000s and Italian A-1 AMXs.
The two-seat F16 was taking off but lost thrust and crashed into an area of the base where other aircraft involved in the NATO exercise were parked. At least five jets were damaged and the Italian statement said “numerous” helicopters were damaged.
The jet that crashed was taking part in a NATO training exercise called the Tactical Leadership Program. The 10 NATO countries participating in the program are Belgium, Britain, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain and the United States.
