F-4 Phantom crashes at air show in Greece: Two pilots lose their lives
Two pilots in an F-4 Phantom fighter jet lost their lives after the aircraft crashed at Tanagra Airport during Athens Flying Week.
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An F-4 Phantom fighter jet crashed during the Athens Flying Week 2026 air show held in Greece. The two pilots on board the aircraft lost their lives in the accident that occurred at Tanagra Airport.
According to information provided by the Hellenic Broadcasting Corporation (ERT), the fighter jet suddenly lost altitude for an undetermined reason during its demonstration flight. A large explosion occurred in the area shortly after the aircraft hit the ground.
Following the accident, it was reported that Greek Defense Minister Nikos Dendias decided to cut short his program at the Thessaloniki International Fair and return to Athens.
FIRE BROKE OUT AFTER THE ACCIDENT
The crash of the aircraft also caused a fire in the vicinity of Tanagra. As the flames spread to the wooded area, large-scale teams were dispatched to the region.
The fire was responded to by 115 firefighters, three pedestrian teams, two teams from the 1st and 7th EMAK, and 36 vehicles. From the air, 9 aircraft and 4 helicopters operated in rotation; it was stated that one of the helicopters provided coordination for the aerial vehicles.
Authorities sent an alert message via the 112 emergency system at 15:34 to inform those in the area. Due to the fire, police halted traffic flow on the side road of the Athens-Lamia national highway and on the Oinoi district road in the Oinofita region.
Held on September 5-6, Athens Flying Week is considered one of the prominent aviation events in Southeast Europe. The event features aircraft displays, formation flights, challenging maneuvers, and parachute jumps.