Two Pilots Killed As Greek Air Force Phantom F4 Crashes During Air Show

Two Greek Air Force pilots were killed after a twin-seat Phantom F-4 jet crashed during the annual Athens Flying Week air show at Tanagra Air Base, about 60 km north of Athens, on Saturday. Thousands of spectators were attending the event when the aircraft went down during a low-altitude manoeuvre.

The crash triggered a major fire and sent large plumes of black smoke into the air. Video footage showed smoke rising from the impact site, followed by a larger second explosion as the aircraft broke apart. Authorities confirmed that no spectators were injured.

Greek Air Force officials said the bodies of the two pilots were located during a rescue operation. The search was initially hampered by the fire that broke out across the grounds of Tanagra Air Force Base.

Eleven water-dropping aircraft and helicopters assisted 85 firefighters in containing the blaze. Although the fire remained some distance from the viewing area, authorities issued an evacuation order for an area near the base.

An eyewitness told Greek broadcaster ERT that the aircraft had been airborne for less than three minutes before the crash.

Athens Flying Week typically attracts military and civilian aviation teams from dozens of countries. Following Saturday's tragedy, organisers cancelled all remaining events scheduled for the weekend.

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis expressed condolences to the families of the two pilots, saying the country was mourning their loss. He also described the incident as a reminder of the risks faced by Greek aviators who remain on constant standby to protect the country's airspace.

The Greek Air Force subsequently declared three days of mourning following the deaths.

Cyprus Defence Minister Vasilis Palmas also conveyed his government's condolences after speaking with Greek Defence Minister Nikos Dendias. Palmas said he was deeply saddened by the deaths of the two Hellenic Air Force officers in the accident at Tanagra Air Base.